Barcelona Transfer News: Gerard Deulofeu Opens Up on Loan, Exit Rumours

Gerard Deulofeu has opened up on his struggles at Barcelona and loan move to Watford, taking responsibility for his poor stretch in Catalonia and acknowledging his career at the club is likely over.

The winger, who returned to Barca last summer, spoke with Esports COPE and didn't mince his words (via Sport):

"I think it will be very difficult to go back. You don't have to be too clever to know that if Barcelona loaned me to another team it's because they have little interest in me.

"I was also in agreement that I had to leave because I hadn't played for a month and a half and things weren't working. I want to play and be happy. I am not happy being on the bench, like most players.

"A lot it is my fault. At the end of the day, it's me who has to earn the right to play more. I think I was better off the bench than when I had the chance to start games. I know I didn't prove myself. I believe in myself more than anyone, but I recognise I was not consistent."

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The player added that he told Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde he did not blame the tactician, as he had the opportunity to impress him before he was sent on loan. Per Mundo Deportivo, his sale this summer is a near certainty (via Sport Witness).

Deulofeu has spent much of his senior career out on loan with varying degrees of success. He moved to Watford in the Premier League in January but has barely played. Injuries have contributed to his lack of playing time in England, and that won't help his case with Barcelona.

He spent the first half of the season at the Camp Nou after a good spell with AC Milan last year. In January, there were suggestions he could return to Italy. Sport reported there was interest from Napoli, and per BeIN Sports USA's Matteo Bonetti, the 24-year-old had also been in contact with several Rossoneri players:

Those exit rumours have mostly gone quiet since his loan move to Watford and injury, but these latest comments will likely see them return, as clubs know Deulofeu could become available.

His short loan stint with Milan was promising and came after a difficult stretch at Everton. The good form he showed in Italy prompted Barcelona to buy him back from the Toffees, as the team were in need of a replacement for Neymar, who departed for Paris Saint-Germain.

The Blaugrana added several players in the hopes someone would step up, which Ousmane Dembele did once he returned from injury at the start of the year. Deulofeu struggled in what was likely his last chance to impress his boyhood club.

The speedster came up through the team's vaunted academy, La Masia, where he was always a standout, as you can see in the video below:

La Masia regularly produces great talents, but many don't make an immediate impact for the senior team and are sent out on loan. Deulofeu was no different, but the lack of a permanent home never seemed to do him any good.

He did flash tremendous upside with Milan, and if he can return from injury to show his abilities before the summer, he could earn himself a move to a club of similar stature. He's still just 24 and is bursting with talent, so Deulofeu could prove a real bargain.

Another chance at the Camp Nou seems unlikely, and Deulofeu knows it. In the interview, he stated he will speak with the club and his agent when the season is over but revealed he has no idea what the future has in store.