Barca have buy-back options at end of first two years of Deulofeu’s three year deal at Goodison
Roberto Martinez insists he is not concerned that Barcelona will try and take Gerard Deulofeu back to the Nou Camp.
Everton signed the winger on a three-year-deal from Barca this summer for £4.2m but the Spanish giants inserted buy-back clauses at the end of the first two years of his contract.
Martinez not concerned that Deulofeu’s impressive form will hasten Goodison Park exit
Barcelona also have first refusal if Everton ever decide to sell the 21-year-old winger thereafter but Martinez says he will be under no pressure to cash-in.
Deulofeu produced a superb performance at Reading on Tuesday night as he marked his first start of the season with the winning goal.
Martinez expects the Spanish under-21 captain to get better as the season goes on but asked if he was concerned that Barcelona would try and take Deulofeu back, Martinez said: “No. There is always a real excitement of seeing a player fulfill his potential, nothing else.
Gerard Deulofeu celebrates scoring the second goal
“As a football club we will always be in control of our footballing destiny and we are not in a position where we have to rely on financial decisions so, from that point of view, all you want is for the players to be enjoying their football and the team being as strong as they can.
“The success of an individual will end up making a stronger team.
“We have been tested enough, and given enough proof that this is the only focus we have at the football club at the highest levels of the club to every other department.
“So the work you do on a daily basis is going to stay there. If Gerard fulfills his potential then every Evertonian will be proud and pleased.”
Martinez insists Deulofeu, who was loan at Everton during the 2013-14 season, is “back home” and is determined to become a main player at Goodison.
Deulofeu signed in a permanent £4.2m move this summer – but will Barca want him back sooner rather than later?
“That happens with any loan player,” Martinez added.
“The danger is that when you send someone out of loan they have a safety net.
“As a player there are moments when you need to re-set and start again and set your own individual values. Gerard has done that.
“He knows he’s an Everton player, there are no ifs and buts, and there are no safety nets and that can only be helpful and reinforces what he is as a footballer.
“He takes risks and pushes you to the limit.
“I just feel Gerard is desperate to play a big, big role at Everton and I am starting to see the signs of two years ago when he came as a brave young man, with a desire of conquering the world. It’s the way he needs to be in order to be at his very best.”
Deulofeu’s display in the Capital One Cup in midweek has put him in the frame for a first Premier League start of the campaign.
Deulofeu is a risk taker
“He feels like he’s back home”
Martinez was giving little away about his team selection for Monday night’s trip to West Bromwich Albion but admits the Catalan youngster has given him plenty to think about.
“Gerard, when he arrived in the summer, his only feeling was that he was back home and back in a very, very good environment where he can be himself,” Martinez said.
“It is pleasing to see his performances.
“Remember, he hasn’t played much football since January so we need to be a bit cautious and need to be very much encouraging him to be at his best level and ready to have an impact.
Deulofeu is a risk taker
“That sort of dilemma is the sort you want as a manager.
“Gerard has got an incredible goal-scoring threat and that’s what he brings. Now he is more aware of all the other duties he has as a team player and that is part of his development.
“What’s important, is that whatever he adds to his game, he doesn’t lose what makes his effective.
“All in all, you are seeing a player who wants to learn and wants to get better, wants to control the big moments and making those little differences in the final third of the pitch. That’s where Gerard should be measured.”
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