Jim White and Simon Jordan react as James Rodriguez closes in on Everton exit
Simon Jordan has questioned the signing of James Rodriguez in 2020 as the Everton playmaker closes in on a move to Qatar.
Rodriguez, 30, joined the Blues from Real Madrid at the start of the 2020/21 campaign, linking up with former boss Carlo Ancelotti.
After a bright start, events started to unravel for the Colombian, and he appears likely to seal a loan move to Qatar Stars League side Al Rayyan in the coming days.
“James Rodriguez, I wonder how Evertonians really feel about James this morning, closing in on a departure from Everton to Qatar, surprise surprise,” Jim White said on talkSPORT [21/09/21].
“So that would mean they offload his £200,000-a-week wage bill, does he epitomise everything about Everton in the last few years?”
Ex-Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan responded: “No, because there’s a lot right with Everton.
“[But] It was wishful thinking Rodriguez was going to be worth £200,000-a-week, it was economic voyeurism on their part maybe.”
Expensive error?
Everton supporters enjoyed some memorable Rodriguez moments in the early part of the 2020/21 campaign, but frustratingly, they were only watched from TV screens as fans were prevented from watching him at Goodison Park due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
That regular matchday-goers will never get the chance to watch him close up will be grating. He’s a genuine superstar on his day, and that was evident during the early weeks of last season.
But as the months rolled on, Rodriguez’s influence waned. Significantly.
There were injury issues, and then his early-season departure back to Colombia as he hoped to be selected for the Copa America tournament. He wasn’t.
A chance of a Blues renaissance was also dashed after Rafa Benitez was named as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor earlier this summer, with Benitez and Rodriguez enduring a strained relationship at Real Madrid.
Now, it looks like Rodriguez will be plying his trade in Qatar, for the next few months at least.
Football moves fast, and big-names can be quickly forgotten. Rodriguez is set to become a distant memory for Blues soon.
In other Everton news, Blues player reacts after Aston Villa star issues written apology.
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on Everton and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.