James Rodriguez was ‘desperate’ to exit Everton in summer transfer window
Everton could be forced to shell out over £10million in wages this season for unwanted playmaker James Rodriguez, according to The Athletic.
The online news outlet claims Rodriguez, 30, was “desperate” to leave Merseyside this summer, with the Blues willing sellers.
However, an exit failed to materialise despite reports of a planned swap deal with Porto for Colombian compatriot Luis Diaz.
Rodriguez has 10 months left on his Blues deal and he will be allowed to discuss terms with foreign clubs in January over a lucrative free transfer in the summer of 2022.
If Everton are unable to shift him off the books before then the ex-Real Madrid man could cost the club north of £10million in wages, as per The Athletic’s report.
Big Benitez battle
Rafa Benitez now has a big decision on his hands as to what to do with the South American star now.
Rodriguez appeared to be surplus to requirements under the Spaniard but the Blues’ lack of business towards the end of the window may force him to change his mind.
The only attackers brought into the club during the summer were Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray which means the club are still light on options up front with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison and Alex Iwobi.
With question marks over the consistency of all but Calvert-Lewin, and Richarlison at a push after an average 2020/21 campaign, Benitez could turn to Rodriguez at some point over the next few months.
As well as utilising his talents for the good of the team it may also serve to drum up interest in him ahead of the reopening of the transfer market in January.
Over to you now, Rafa.
In other Everton news, the Blues may revisit a deal for this international ace after suffering a summer blow.
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