Gerard Deulofeu: Watford confirm signing of Barcelona winger

By Simon StoneBBC Sport

Last updated on .From the section Watfordcomments78

Gerard Deulofeu
Deulofeu was the first signing made by Watford since they appointed former Malaga boss Javi Gracia in January

Watford have confirmed the signing of winger Gerard Deulofeu on a five-year deal from Barcelona.

The Spanish champions say they have agreed a fee of £11.5mexternal-link for the 24-year-old, plus £3.5m in add-ons.

Deulofeu, who has won four caps for Spain, spent the second half of last season on loan at Watford, scoring once in seven Premier League appearances.

The ex-Barcelona youth player has previously had two spells in the Premier League with Everton.

He spent the 2013-14 campaign on loan at Goodison Park and returned on a permanent basis in 2015 after an unsuccessful spell at Sevilla.

Following 18 months with the Toffees, Deulofeu finished the 2016-17 season on loan with AC Milan, then went back to Barcelona last summer when the Catalans activated a buy-back clause.

The deal with Barcelona also includes a sell-on clause, according to the Spanish club.

"We are very pleased to welcome Gerard back," said Watford chairman Scott Duxbury. "Our ambition to succeed and grow in the Premier League remains as strong as ever."

Deulofeu's most recent international appearance came in Spain's World Cup qualifier against Liechtenstein in September.

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78 comments

  • Comment posted by Louis Patten, at 11:45 11 Jun 2018

    Great bit of business from Watford if this is true. Deulofeu may not have been the greatest at Barca, but playing at Watford is completely different, he'll be a crucial pivot to the team, and they'll play to his benefits well.

  • Comment posted by Avroredgrave, at 13:13 11 Jun 2018

    All these comments from Everton fans judging him on their spell with them a few years ago, not realising that he has done a lot of growing up since. In every game for Watford he put a shift in. He returned from injury early at the end of the season to help out the team, and even though not at his best, gave everything he had. His attitude is the opposite of poor.

  • Comment posted by Kimsey, at 11:48 11 Jun 2018

    Great signing for us.

    Had a huge influence and impact on the pitch when he was fit.

    With a squad of fully fit players, hopefully we will be able to compete for a top 10 spot, maybe even challenge for the last Europa spot.

    I look forward to Merson and co writing us off as usual come the start of the season.

  • Comment posted by -Rob-, at 11:57 11 Jun 2018

    Showed bags of potential at Everton but needs to put a little more effort in more regularly and become more of a team player. Could be a great signing for Watford if they can get the best out of him.

  • Comment posted by LavenderSoftPhoenix, at 13:56 11 Jun 2018

    Whatever anyone says about him, you have to admit that £11.5M for a 24 year old and a five year contract is a steal in the current financial madness.

  • Comment posted by Peter10531089, at 12:26 11 Jun 2018

    This is great news - the guys pointing out that Deilefeo isn't Messi or Ronaldo are spot on - but we are Watford!! A signing of this quality and magnitude would be unheard of prior to the (media-maligned) Pozzo family coming to the club and slowly building a platform - this is incredible for us!

  • Comment posted by The Outlaw, at 13:54 11 Jun 2018

    Great signing for a club of our stature.

    We get written off every season. Always pleasing to show up mugs like Merson. Look forward to doing the same this season.

    Now for a striker and some fullbacks

  • Comment posted by NickW53, at 16:46 11 Jun 2018

    Sort of dips in and out of games from time to time but you have to say £11.5m is a decent bit of business for a player like him in this market.

  • Comment posted by U15695308, at 12:47 11 Jun 2018

    @24 cdawg.

    You're not alone. People do care about you, just reach out.

  • Comment posted by Phil, at 12:47 11 Jun 2018

    An exciting signing for Watford. Still think we need a top class striker and a central defender or two but it's a good signing none the less.

  • Comment posted by JRTguy, at 11:56 11 Jun 2018

    Could be a great signing for Watford FC. Talented player.

  • Comment posted by Yasir, at 12:02 11 Jun 2018

    Fantastic signing for that price. Glad Barca didnt get more than that. It was clearly their plan to buy him back to sell him on for much higher. Hate it when players, especially young players, are treated like a commodity.

  • Comment posted by CarelessMemories, at 12:44 11 Jun 2018

    Good luck to the player, will be good to have in back in the Premier League.
    I recall he had a good season at Everton, made it into my Fantasy League team, there is no higher accolade!
    He's only 24, struggled at the highest level, but capable of much obviously.

  • Comment posted by Penelope Poopsalot, at 17:27 11 Jun 2018

    Bargain in today's market - and a good fit for Watford. That oafish fellow Deeney is going to have to get used to playing with real footballers or hop it.

  • Comment posted by thesweetcornkid, at 13:40 11 Jun 2018

    Fantastic player with great technical ability. Unfortunately did not get regular football in Barca. With patient manager and support of teammates could turn in to something special. But still a gamble career could turn anywhere after 18 starts. Good luck

  • Comment posted by Tears for fears, at 12:24 11 Jun 2018

    He is quick off the mark
    Needs to develop composure in final pass, shot and work rate

  • Comment posted by Keyser Soze, at 12:23 11 Jun 2018

    Pretty good signing for the price.

  • Comment posted by lapos, at 17:22 11 Jun 2018

    A bargain in this day and age!

  • Comment posted by The secret pundit, at 17:13 11 Jun 2018

    Would loved to have seen him at Leicester. Would have been an ideal replacement for Mahrez.

  • Comment posted by LFCfan128, at 16:23 11 Jun 2018

    Decent player and a bargain, but a bit inconsistent. Have been playing well recently though.

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