Deulofeu could stay beyond May

, 30 August, 0comments  |  Jump to most recent

Roberto Martinez has hinted that there is a chance that Everton could keep Gerard Deulofeu for more than just this season if he enjoys his time on Merseyside and Barcelona feel it would be beneficial to his development.

The Blues landed something of a coup by sealing a season-long loan for the talented teenager on an arrangement that would see the Spanish giants waive the loan fee if he plays more than 50% of Everton's games this season.

“The deal is performance based so depending on how many games he plays financially there is a difference,” Martinez is quoted by The Mirror. “It decreases if he plays more."

Given that Barca are encouraging Everton to play Deulofeu, it is unlikely he could make his move to Merseyside permanent but there is a chance he could extend his loan spell.

"I don't think it is an option to take him ­permanently," Martinez continued, "but we can take him for longer — perhaps a further year.”

The 19 year-old made a impressive debut in Everton colours against Stevenage in midweek, scoring the equaliser in a 2-1 extra-time victory over the League One side and showing off his pace and ability playing wide on the right.

He was buzzing after the final whistle, describing his full debut and goal as a fantastic moment:

"I'm very, very happy — both to make my debut and the way it has gone.

"To score my first goal in my first game in England was fantastic and the way the crowd cheered, it was a great moment.

"The main thing is that we managed to win and get through to the next round. Let's hope we continue this form and get three points on Saturday."

Quotes or other material sourced from evertonfc.com





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