Everton manager Roberto Martinez has conceded he is worried Barcelona will activate the buy-back clause in Gerard Deulofeu’s contract at the end of the season.
Deulofeu, 21, was a product of Barcelona’s fabled La Masia youth academy but only managed to feature in 87 minutes spread across five substitute appearances in league and European competition for the club.
The Toffee’s signed the Spain Under-21 international on a permanent deal over the summer having already had the youngster on a season-long loan in the 2013/14 campaign.
Deulofeu already has five assists to his name this season and Martinez fears his form could lead to his former club re-signing him for as little as £6.5m in the summer, which they would be powerless to stopping.
“There is nothing we can do if they activate the clause,” the Everton boss is quoted as saying by Sky Sport News. “That was the deal and the only way we could access the player in the terms that we wanted. I’m delighted with the deal.”
“There are certain things in the deal. It’s £6.5m for the first year and £8.5m in the second year.
“They can’t take him back in the winter so they can’t take him back in January. My worry would be to lose him in January. That would be a big problem.”
Despite only starting five matches this season, only Mesut Ozil (10) has registered more assists than the Everton winger (5) in the Premier League this season.
For more stats on Gerard Deulofeu, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
“They can’t take him back in the winter so they can’t take him back in January. My worry would be to lose him in January. That would be a big problem.” This doesnt make sense