James Rodriguez to Everton verdict issued by Sky Sports journalist on potential dramatic return
James Rodriguez will not be making a return to Everton during the transfer window, according to Alan Myers.
The Sky Sports journalist dismissed rumours that the Colombian star could rejoin the Toffees in a response to a fan via X on 12 July.
Rodriguez, 33, had generated speculation among Evertonians earlier this year when he replied via Instagram on 14 May to a plea for him to return to Goodison Park with the suggestion of a “last dance”.
But while Dele Alli could now be in line to re-sign for Sean Dyche’s side amid talks with Tottenham over revised payment terms after his contract expired [The Athletic, 12 July] Myers has ruled out the Colombia captain following suit.
After initially joking that it was possible he posted simply: “He’s not returning.”
Everton star under Carlo Ancelotti dispensed with by Rafa Benitez
Carlo Ancelotti bringing the former Real Madrid star to Everton continues to stand out as a stark reminder of how far the club’s fortunes fell in a short time after the Champions League-winning manager departed.
In sentimental terms there might be a decent number of Evertonians who would like to see the attacking midfielder brought back to correct Rafa Benitez’s decision to get rid of him during the Spaniard’s ill-fated spell in charge.
Benitez thought James was too old at the time [GOAL] but some eye-catching displays at the Copa America this summer appear to have proven that wrong nearly three years on [Guardian, 10 July].
There have been times in the past couple of seasons where the Toffees have been crying out for the sort of creativity he can bring so it is understandable that people were willing to believe him when he hinted at a return.
But in practical terms that ship looks to have sailed for the Toffees although if they are looking at bringing Dele back in then there appears to be some interest in adding a former mercurial midfield star who goes by his first name and there had been some suggestions of interest a year ago [AS Colombia].
Even if James was affordable though he is perhaps no more a Sean Dyche player than he was a Benitez one and may have to be remembered alongside Ancelotti on Merseyside as what might have been barring the sort of dramatic turnaround that would put even the Jaden Philogene race in the shade.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are set to raise funds for the transfer window with the sale of four first-team players.
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