“I accept the deal”: Supporters in celebration as Everton target has already admitted he would join the Toffees this summer
Everton are said to be interested in bringing James Rodriguez back to Goodison Park this summer on a free transfer.
The Colombia international is a free agent after Olympiacos terminated his contract, and – according to AS – the Toffees are among those keen to offer him a contract.
Crystal Palace, Brighton and Bournemouth are also believed to be interested, but some comments from James Rodriguez in February 2022 suggest Everton would be his preferred destination.
What’s the story?
Well – as quoted by AS – the South American admitted he would be happy to come back to Everton.
Rodriguez said: “In the end, the coach (Rafa Benitez) didn’t want to count on me, it’s the preferences of each coach, some like you, others don’t and that’s respectable, but I’d come back, why not, I left everything, I always trained, worked and the Everton fanbase is very big and supports well.
The 31-year-old scored six goals and provided nine assists in 26 appearances for Everton, before his time at Goodison Park fell apart following Carlo Ancelotti’s return to Real Madrid and Benitez’s arrival.
However, the Spaniard is now gone with Sean Dyche at the helm instead, so a remarkable return to Merseyside for Rodriguez could be on.
James Rodriguez is off the mark! 🔵
He finds the bottom corner to put Everton in front. pic.twitter.com/3dwMzGhBQp
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 19, 2020
Rodriguez deal surely hinges on Everton surviving
In our view, a deal for Rodriguez will only happen if Everton avoid relegation to the Championship.
A player of the 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner’s quality surely won’t want to play in England’s second tier.
Additionally, from a financial aspect, Everton presumably wouldn’t be in a position to pay Rodriguez’s salary demands if they do drop into the Championship.
As detail by The Athletic, the Toffees are already under investigation for Financial Fair Play breaches, so they have to be careful going forwards.
Nevertheless, if Dyche can guide Everton to survival, a romantic return for Rodriguez could be on.
