Barcelona Transfer News: Gerard Deulofeu Sale Would Be Bad Business

Gerard Deulofeu is a player who has long been touted as a potential star.

The young Spaniard’s blisteringly quick feet dazzled defenders during his time with Barcelona B, but as of yet, he’s been unable to make an impression of comparable clout in the first XI.

There's little denying his class, however, and the 20-year-old—currently on loan at Sevilla—shone during a temporary spell with Everton in the Premier League last season. According to the Daily Star, the Toffees are now keen on bringing him back to Goodison Park permanently for an £8 million fee. 

Here’s a look at one of his best performances from the current campaign:

With Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez and Pedro in situ, it’s little surprise that Deulofeu has so far been unable to make a sustained impression in the first team. And with all of those quality attackers battling it out for a spot in Luis Enrique's team, there was little chance of the youngster forcing his way into contention this season.

But that doesn’t mean the Blaugrana should give up on him. Indeed, the fee quoted would be a snip for a winger who has the potential to be a world-class player.

Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe rated Deulofeu as the fourth-best under-21 player in the world recently, and he had this to say about the former Toffee:

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His quick feet and slight frame prove a magnet for mistimed lunges and tackles, making Deulofeu a true chance for a penalty or free-kick in dangerous areas.

His eye for goal improves with every month, and he's beginning to shoulder the responsibility of being a main goal source, too.

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At the moment, loan deals are the best way for Deulofeu to develop these attributes, and while he’s not setting the world alight in Andalusia—he’s started just six La Liga games for Sevilla this season—there were indisputable signs of his talent during his loan spell on Merseyside in the previous campaign.

He learnt plenty too, as noted here by Spanish football expert Guillem Balague:

Deulofeu gave Everton a vital attacking edge as they pushed toward the top end of the Premier League—one they’ve struggled to replace this season. Roberto Martinez eased him into English football, and after a capricious start to life at Goodison Park, the Toffees faithful were being treated to some vibrant performances from the Barcelona man by the end of the campaign .

His displays also caught the eye of Spain boss Vicente del Bosque, who called Deulofeu up to the national team for the squad's pre-World Cup warm-up matches.

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

With that in mind, it’s little surprise that Everton are reportedly eying up a deal for the player. It’s clear from his Twitter account that Deulofeu has preserved an affinity for the club:

Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

But even the most optimistic of Evertonians wouldn’t expect to get the player on board for a seven-figure sum, and it’s a notion that Barcelona shouldn’t ponder, either. 

The Catalan giants are unable to sign any players until January 2016, which is when their 12-month transfer embargo completes. With that in mind, Deulofeu—providing he returns from his loan at Sevilla a little more refined—could have a much more significant role to play alongside Messi, Neymar and Suarez in the 2015/16 campaign.

Barca is a club that prides itself on bringing through young, local talent, and of the current crop of burgeoning Masia graduates, Deulofeu remains the crown jewel. He still has a lot to learn and remains somewhat erratic, but the talent is there. Barcelona must be patient if they're to reap the long-term benefits.