Watford: Gerard Deulofeu completes a loan deal from Barcelona

Never thought I’d see the likes of Gerard Deulofeu back in the Premier League, since making Barcelona’s first team squad. Watford pull off some good business in acquiring the Spaniard on a loan deal.

A deal in place for the remainder of the season. Gerard Deulofeu, becomes Javi Gracia first signing since joining Watford as manager. This has to be the main reason, the speedy winger was willing to come over to Vicarage Road.

A couple of thought come from this out-of-nowhere-transfer. Where will he play and how well will he do after playing alongside, Messi, Suarez, and company? Was his departure inevitable because of the arrival of Philippe Coutinho?

Deulofeu’s stats in a Barcelona kit (2017/2018):

What was his reasoning for a Watford move, rather than a move abroad to a bigger club? Does this make way for Troy Deeney, to move over to West Brom? Does the rumour still linger on – now that West Brom have their boyhood striker on loan?

A number of factors influencing this young man’s move across the border. Let’s hope Gracia can bring out the best in him – as Koeman did just that, a season ago.

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Why’s the move a better one than a return to Everton?

Everton, currently a team led by a man who knows only to sit back and soak up pressure. Big Sam, would run the player’s confidence to the ground with his style of play.

Gerard Deulofeu’s first season as an Everton player (2015/2016):

I’d go on in saying; if Ronald Koeman was the manager today still – he would have maybe opted for the Blues rather. He has a love for the fans, and the fans returned the love.

His first loan deal was extremely poor – but the winger was young and had to adapt to the fast-paced English Premier League. Not much you could do, but could notice the difference once he got a grip of things.

In the following season – when he joined on a permanent deal under the Dutchman, Koeman. He enjoyed a decent spell and was involved in Everton’s pursue of European football.

Gerard Deulofeu’s second season as an Everton player (2016/2017):

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The Spanish connection, plus World Cup ambitions, and the fact he’s fallen down the pecking order, are the main reasons he’s left the prestigious team in Barcelona. It was the smartest move he could make.

It also represents smart business for the Hornets and Gracia – as they try to build their way back to their best, after the stuttering festive period they didn’t enjoy. Interesting transfer to look out for.

This should also serve as a clear indication – he might not cut the Barcelona grade.