Everton confirmed the arrival of James Rodriguez from La Liga giants Real Madrid for a reported transfer fee of £20 million. This marks the third instance that the Colombian is been signed by manager Carlo Ancelotti after bringing the player during his stints in Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
The attacking midfielder marks Everton’s second midfield signing in a week after roping in Allan from Napoli as well earlier. The 29-year-old signed a two-year deal with the club with an option to extend it for another year.
Rodriguez is believed to have taken a pay-cut from his £140,000 a week wage sum from Real Madrid. The player was in the last year of his contract with the Los Blancos and was not in favour of selection in a team that has a plethora of attacking choices to choose from.
This will mark the Colombian’s fourth major league in Europe after already notching up spells in France, Germany and Spain.
James Rodriguez expressed his pleasure after joining the club and claimed that he has come to Everton and the Premier League to improve. He said:
“I’ve come here to try to improve, to get better,” said Rodríguez. “I’ve also come here to help the team to win, to play good football – entertaining football.
I’m convinced, with Carlo and his technical staff, we can achieve big things and one of the big reasons (for signing) was the presence of Carlo Ancelotti. I have enjoyed some great times with him previously at two different clubs. That was a massive reason to come here.”
Rodriguez also claimed that he has been really impressed with Ancelotti’s vision for the club and believes that the club is not too far away from securing a trophy. He added:
“I’m a winner, I’m a real winner. I can see the plans here, the project here is very serious. Everyone means business. I think the seriousness and determination to win trophies can lead to silverware.”
Allan done, Rodriguez secured, Doucoure pending
The midfield revamp of Everton will find its conclusion with the imminent signing of Abdoulaye Doucouré from recently relegated Premier League side Watford.
After a dismal start to last season, the club sacked Marco Silva and roped in veteran Carlo Ancelotti after his sack from Serie A side Napoli.
With the signings, the Merseyside club hopes to put pressure on the big 6 to secure a spot for European football.
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