Enrique drafts Deulofeu into Barcelona first-team squad

, 19 May, 0comments  |  Jump to most recent
New Nou Camp boss makes expected decision
Confirmation has come from Barcelona that Gerard Deulofeu is now part of the Catalan giants' first-team setup under new manager, Luis Enrique.

The 20 year-old joins fellow loanee Rafinha in being promoted from Barcelona's B team dealing a big blow to Everton's hopes of bringing him back on loan next season.

Enrique's appointment as Tata Martino's successor was announced this evening and, as the man who gave Deulofeu his break at Barcelona as a 16 year-old, it's no surprise that he now wants to incorporate the talented forward into the senior side there.

The news will be greeted enthusiastically by the player whose burning desire it has always been to represent Barca on a consistent basis at first-team level. For Evertonians, however, there is disappointment that his mercurial talents are unlikely to grace Goodison Park again next season. While Deulofeu's promotion was wholly expected and doesn't preclude a second loan spell with the Blues, it does make it less likely.

Roberto Martinez landed quite the coup in persuading the Blaugrana that Everton was the best place to continue Deulofeu's development when he signed him on a season-long loan last July.

And though there was no concrete agreement for a second season, bringing Deulofeu back for 2014-15 was believed to be a strong option but Enrique clearly feels he is ready to be introduced to the top level in La Liga in the coming campaign as he plots to bring the Spanish title back to the Nou Camp.

Deulofeu made 25 apperances for the Blues this past season, scoring three goals and providing an at-times vital attacking option for Martinez from the substitute's bench. His memorable equaliser at The Emirates stadium that earned a draw against then-Premier League leaders, Arsenal, was perhaps the highlight but he will be fondly remembered for his overall contribution to an impressive season from the Blues.

 



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