Denis, Deulofeu & Halilovic: How Barça's kids are getting on across Europe

Over the last year, Barcelona have let players leave the club who didn’t have a place in the first team. However, they didn’t just let them go. The majority of those that left on transfers had an option included in the deal which stipulated Barça could buy them back for a certain price at certain times. In some cases, such as Denis Suarez, it looks like the club will follow through this option, but it’s not always that easy to return to Barça.

DEULOFEU: STABILITY AT EVERTON 

Gerard Deulofeu hardly had a chance to earn his place in Luis Enrique’s side this season. He was transferred to Everton almost immediately and has impressed. He had a great start to the season, creating a lot from a wide right position, although in recent weeks he has disappeared from Roberto Martinez’s XI. After a loan spell with Seville, Deulofeu needed a side where he could find stability and work on the weaker aspects of his game, such as defending and scoring. The Catalan continues to evolve, but it’s unlikely he will return to Barça. At least not while Luis Enrique is the manager. 

MONTOYA: LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL

Martin Montoya was sent on loan to Inter, where he had little chance to make an impression. It got to the point that there was speculation that the Italian club would return him to Barça. In January, he signed on loan for Real Betis, therefore. Working under Merino, Montoya has begun to see the light at the end of the tunnel after a tough spell in Milan (he played just 263 minutes of football). At Betis he has already played four games (despite missing some action with an injury). He’s contracted to Barça until 2018 and the summer could be interesting for him. He doesn’t have a spot in the first team (Aleix Vidal’s arrival shut that door), so it’s likely he will seek another loan or a permanent move away. 

TELLO: REVIVED IN FLORENCE

Cristiano Tello, whose contract with Barcelona runs until 2018, decided to change Porto for Fiorentina in January. His last few months in Portugal had not been satisfactory. His role had relinquished in the side, especially after Julen Lopetegui was fired. In Florence, he’s re-found his form. He’s played six Serie A games and is helping his new side push for a Champions League spot next season. Barça won’t call him back, so Fiorentina are hopeful of keeping him for another year. 

HALILOVIC: MORE TO LESS IN GIJON

Alen Halilovic is on loan at Sporting Gijon for a season. The promising Croatian midfielder decided it would be for the best to join Abelardo’s side and to get regular minutes in La Liga to aid his growth. In the first half of the season he was a regular. However, he’s been a victim of Sporting’s more recent struggles. The Asturian side have had restrictions placed on them by the LFP and are fighting for survival. In recent weeks, Halilovic has lost his weight in Sporting’s style. Abelardo is demanding more defensively and the Barça youngster has lost his place. However, the fans at El Molinon continue to enjoy the Croatian’s talent. Barça still rate him, too, and feel he has a place in the first team in the future. His adaption to life in Gijon has been excellent as well. Barça expect to loan him out again next season. If Sporting stay up, he could continue in Gijon. 

ADAMA: PAYING THE PRICE IN ENGLAND

Adama Traore shone under Tata Martino because of his explosiveness and his pace, but he wasn’t able to establish himself in the first team at Barcelona, so he went to Aston Villa. A good start in England, though, has not led to continuity. Villa are bottom of the Premier League and look set to be relegated. In addition, Adama has had bad luck with injuries. In January he broke a toe and he’s not played since. Villa paid 10 million euros for him and Barça have an option to buy him back within three years, but for now they will not be exercising that option. 

DENIS SUAREZ: EARNING A RETURN 

Among the players Barça have spread across the world, the only one assured of a return to the first team is the Villarreal midfielder. His performances have convinced the coaches he has a place at Camp Nou and they wanted to bring him back in January. Denis has grown since joining Marcelino’s side. He’s found the perfect place to continue his development after an up and down time (good start, disappointing end) with Sevilla.