James Rodriguez to return to Everton for pre-season training, despite uncertainty over his future
The Liverpool Echo report that James Rodriguez is set to return to Everton on Monday for pre-season training despite uncertainty over his future at Goodison Park.
They claim that the 29-year-old was set for an ‘extended break’, but he is now expected back at Finch Farm tomorrow because he was left out of Colombia’s Copa America squad.
Rafael Benitez has just been appointed as the Toffees’ new boss, and it is claimed that this appointment has plunged Rodriguez’s future into doubt as the pair experienced a ‘difficult relationship’ while they were at Real Madrid.
Will Rodriguez stick around?
Carlo Ancelotti was the man who brought Rodriguez to Goodison Park, and ‘sources’ close to the Colombian claimed that even if Ancelotti left the Toffees, Rodriguez could stay at Goodison Park.
However, given Benitez’s relationship with the Colombian and the ongoing links to Philippe Coutinho, it would be a surprise if the 29-year-old is at Goodison Park for much longer [Fichajes].
In his first season with the Toffees, Rodriguez managed to directly contribute to 15 goals, which, considering he arrived on a free from Real Madrid, is a good return.
However, it remains to be seen if Benitez decides to give Rodriguez a chance or if the Spaniard looks for other options.
Given the rumours about Rodriguez and Benitez, it is hard to see how the Colombian survives at Goodison Park for much longer, and it would be a huge surprise if Benitez were to give him a chance at redemption [Daily Mirror].
In other Everton news, BBC pundit issues bold Rafael Benitez claim.
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