Watford sign Deulofeu permanently

Watford have confirmed the signing of Gerard Deulofeu from Barcelona on a permanent basis.

Deulofeu started his career with Barcelona, but after making just six appearances in two seasons at the Camp Nou, he went on loan to Everton, and to Sevilla a year later. In 2015 he made a permanent move to Everton and then he spent a year and a half at the Goodison before being loaned out again, to AC Milan. In the summer of 2017 Barcelona activated their buyback clause and re-signed the winger, only to send him on yet another loan six months later, this time to Watford.

Towards the end of the season reports emerged that the 24-year-old Spaniard was seeking to leave Barcelona permanently as he came to the grips with the fact that he would hardly ever get a proper chance to impress there, and Watford reacted quickly.

He will therefore continue where he left off at the Vicarage Road having signed a five-year deal.