Transfer Scouting Report: Gerard Deulofeu

By Chris Linnell

According to various sources, Barcelona youngster, Gerard Deulofeu is on the radars of both Liverpool and Queens Park Rangers.

Liverpool have shown an interest in taking the Spain Under-19 striker on a permanent deal, while QPR are studying the possibility of a loan move.

New Barca boss Tito Vilanova is still undecided on Deulofeu’s future but is leaning towards loaning him to give him a chance of progressing with first-team football.

Deulofeu is keen to stay at Barcelona but knows he may have to move to make the breakthrough.

The Catalan giants would demand around £7.5 million if they were to sell the player, who has interested Chelsea in the past.

Player Profile

Born in Riudarenes, Girona, Catalonia, Deulofeu joined FC Barcelona’s youth academy in 2003, aged just nine. On 2 March 2011, still registered with the junior team, he made his senior debut, appearing for the B team in a 4–1 away win against Córdoba CF in the second division, coming on as a substitute for Eduard Oriol in the 75th minute.

In late April 2011, Deulofeu was called-up to the senior squad for the first time, for a La Liga match against Real Sociedad on the 29th, but did not leave the bench in a 1-2 away loss.

On 3 August, he made his Barcelona first-team debut, in a 1-4 friendly loss against C.D. Guadalajara; three days later, against Club América, he assisted Seydou Keita in the 90th minute of a 2–0 win.

On 16 September, Deulofeu scored his first goal as a senior, in a 1-2 loss at Hércules CF. On 29 October, he made his first official appearance with the main squad, replacing David Villa in the 63rd minute of a 5–0 league home victory against RCD Mallorca.

Strengths – Pace, Dribbling, Finishing, Control, Creativity, Movement

Weaknesses – Concentration

In my opinion, Deulofeu is much more likely to favour a loan move with QPR. Liverpool are a good club with a fantastic history, but it goes without saying, they’re no Barcelona.

A season long deal would suit all parties perfectly – QPR would have secured the services of an exciting young talent for a tough second term in the Premier League; Deulofeu could gain much needed first team experience at the highest level of domestic football and Barca can watch and wait whilst another future Catalan star grows from strength to strength.  

It’s now just a question of waiting. As always these transfer rumours have the potential to be false. As fans, we can only speculate until an official announcement is made.