Everton midfielder James Rodriguez has decided to sign a deal with Qatar Stars League side, Al-Rayyan and he is set to leave England’s top-flight league.
James Rogriguez transfer to Al-Rayyan confirmed as medical already completed
Al-Rayyan are expected to confirm the signing of James Rodriguez from Everton after he completed a medical. It has been noted that the midfield star traveled to the Middle East for talks on Sunday after initially being in dilemma about the move to the Qatari Stars League.
Everton have been trying to offload his £220,000 a week wages to ease their Financial FairPlay woes. Now it also turns out that the Colombian is also not the part of future plans of manager Rafa Benitez.
It is understood that Al Rayyan had offered a loan deal initially after proposed moves to former club Porto and Turkish side Basaksehir fell through.
The Qatari side is coached by former France and Manchester United defender Laurent Blanc and the club has already teased the announcement of their new recruit on social media ahead of their match with Al Sadd on Wednesday evening.
قريبًا
Soon pic.twitter.com/OqcPyGFFQj— AlRayyanSC (@AlrayyanSC) September 22, 2021
The move is in the final stages as the structure of the transfer and payment were confirmed. James Rodriguez was convinced it was his best opportunity of playing regular football over the coming months as he missed playing time while being at Everton.
James Rodriguez joins Al Rayyan from Everton, agreement reached and confirmed! Official teaser video already released from Qatari club – salary payment agreed with #EFC board. 🇶🇦🇨🇴 #JamesRodriguez
Medical already completed. James now set to leave European football. pic.twitter.com/Sn8viJTzd2
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 22, 2021
A look at James Rodriguez’ stint at Everton
James Rodriguez had joined Everton a year ago from Real Madrid to link up with former Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti, with the signing creating great excitement amongst Toffees supporters.
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Rodriguez had a great start in the Premier League as he had bagged three goals and three assists in his first six league games. But the momentum dipped after he sustained calf injuries.
Meanwhile, Benitez replaced Ancelotti, who returned to former club Real, earlier this summer and the Spanish coach gave Rodriguez a chance to prove his worth in pre-season.
Rodriguez made some appearances but he was informed by Benitez that he was no longer required on Merseyside. Benitez also refused to call up Rodriguez to Saturday’s 3-0 defeat away at Aston Villa, even though the Everton boss only named eight substitutes instead of the nine. During his entire run at Everton, Rodriguez secured six goals in 26 matches, while also tallying nine assists in his only season at Goodison Park.
