Spanish outlet AS are reporting that Barcelona are keen to trigger a buy-back clause they have in place for Everton’s Gerard Deulofeu and that Luis Enrique’s end-of-season exit will leave the path clear for a deal.

What’s the story?

In the wake of suggestions from Sport that Deulofeu is back on Barca’s transfer radar, AS claim that the player’s ‘Barcelona DNA’ makes him an attractive proposition for the club. The 23-year-old has been on loan at AC Milan from Everton since January and has found the form that once made him one of the most highly-rated youngsters in European football. Indeed, he was called up for Spain’s recent round of international matches, making an impact with a nicely worked goal vs. France.

However, AS claim that an obstacle blocking his path back to the Nou Camp has been Luis Enrique, who will step down as manager of the Catalans this summer. With the tactician gone, they believe the final hurdle is clear for the player, with a buy-back clause of €15m (£10.4m) having been put in place when he switched to Goodison Park permanently in 2015.

Enrique has long believed that the attacker lacks the tactical discipline to function in his team, but that should soon no longer be an issue, while he’s also mooted to be a replacement for 2016 signing Paco Alcacer, who has struggled since moving from Valencia.

Does it make sense for Deulofeu?

Probably not. Should he head back to Barca there’s little to no chance that he will get into the front three ahead of Neymar, Lionel Messi or Luis Suarez, barring injury or suspension. Sure, he would be part of the club that he came through the youth ranks at and would move back to a comfortable setting where he would be involved in silverware challenges, but with AC Milan also keen on him, he has other options.

A return to Everton appears unlikely after Ronald Koeman sanctioned his exit, but things change in football and the Dutchman may be able to persuade Deulofeu to return to Merseyside.

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