Pipe Sierra: Rodriguez will decide whether to join Al Rayyan in coming hours
James Rodriguez will determine in the coming hours whether he wants to leave Everton for Al Rayyan, according to Pipe Sierra.
The reliable WinSportsTV and W Radio Colombia reporter has provided frequent updates on the 30-year-old midfielder in recent days, and he has claimed on Tuesday afternoon that a final decision is on the cards.
Everton would love to see Rodriguez leave Goodison Park and have given him the green light, but it appears he is not convinced about a move to the Qatari side.
Sierra posted on his personal Twitter account: “Much secrecy in the environment close to James Rodríguez.
“It is expected that in the next few hours he will make the decision on whether or not to accept the proposal of the Al Rayyan.
“At this time, the decision passes solely by the desire of the Colombian.”
Having second thoughts?
Rodriguez flew out of the United Kingdom on Sunday and has already had a medical, but things have moved slowly in recent hours.
It is not exactly known what the issue is, but it seems the project at Al Rayyan has the Toffees ace having second thoughts.
He wants to play for his country at the World Cup next summer, and a move to a top European outfit or remaining at Goodison Park and forcing his way into Rafa Benitez’s plans would guarantee him a place back on the national team.
A move to Asia could put his international career in further doubt, and while the financial package may not be an issue, football in Qatar is not particularly the best for a player of such status.
Rodriguez could be keen to wait till January before leaving Everton, with suitors on the continent likely to come calling again by then.
The Toffees would not be particularly delighted if he opts for that option as they badly want his wages off their bill.
In other Everton news, Rafa Benitez is laying Toffees groundwork with reported blockbuster move ready for January.
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