Watford have completed the signing of Gerard Deulofeu for an initial €13 million from Barcelona.

Deulofeu joins the Vicarage Road club on a five-year deal after impressing while on loan with Watford during the second half of last season.

The final figure could rise to €17m with add-ons and Barcelona will also be entitled to a percentage of any future fee Watford receive for the sale of Deulofeu.

Watford chief executive Scott Duxbury spoke highly of Deulofeu upon the new of his arrival breaking and believes the deal shows Watford’s appetite for growth.

“We are very pleased to welcome Gerard back to Vicarage Road and thank FC Barcelona for their part in conducting the deals,” he told the club website.

“Our ambition to succeed and grow in the Premier League remains as strong as ever.”

Deulofeu played seven times for the Hornets during his injury-hit loan spell, scoring one goal and producing a number of strong performances on the wing.

The club used the launch of their 2018/19 home kit to announce the former Everton and AC Milan man’s arrival.

With first team chances at a premium at the Camp Nou, Deulofeu made his intention to depart his boyhood club clear last month, admitting he saw his future away from the Catalan side.

Securing the services of a two-time La Liga winner still represents a considerable coup for the Hornets, however.

He had been linked with a host of clubs both in England and his homeland before Watford won the race to secure the 24-year-old.

Deulofeu becomes the second signing of the summer for Watford after they agreed a £1m deal for Stevenage’s Ben Wilmot last month.

The winger will continue to sport the number seven shirt he wore last season.