- Deulofeu reportedly tells Barcelona teammates he will leave next summer
- Spaniard has struggled for regular playing time at the Nou Camp this season
- AC Milan touted as a possible destination after previous loan spell
- READ MORE: Lionel Messi could scupper Barcelona’s hopes of landing three major signings eyed by Valverde
As soon as his return to Barcelona was confirmed, there were fears over Gerard Deulofeu’s ability to establish himself in the team at the Nou Camp.
Competition is unsurprisingly fierce even with the injury suffered by summer signing Ousmane Dembele, with Deulofeu limited to nine La Liga outings so far this season, a total of 494 minutes of playing time with just one goal and two assists in that time.
The initial signs were positive as he started a string of league games, but in recent weeks he’s been left on the bench and has struggled to keep his place in the side.
In turn, it’s reported by Don Balon, as re-reported by The Express, that the 23-year-old has revealed his intention of leaving Barcelona at the end of the season, telling his teammates at a dinner arranged by Lionel Messi.
It will undoubtedly come as a major disappointment for him, as after making his mark at AC Milan last season in a loan spell which saw him score four goals in 17 Serie A outings, he was back involved in the Spain squad and seemingly on an upward curve in his career.
Unfortunately for Deulofeu, he hasn’t been able to extend that at the Nou Camp, and as per the report, he could be seeking a fresh start elsewhere in the summer to kick-start his career once again, with Milan again linked as a potential destination.
It would make sense as the Rossoneri miss his pace and movement on the left flank, with former boss Vincenzo Montella and his successor Gennaro Gattuso struggling with that role this season as they’re sorely missing the different dynamic that a player like Deulofeu would provide.
Given his fond memories from last year, it’s a move that could perhaps appeal for Deulofeu who now runs the risk of missing out on the Spain squad for the World Cup in Russia next summer, but looking at the long-term picture, with Dembele returning from injury in the coming weeks, it doesn’t look overly positive for him at Barcelona.