Everton star James Rodriguez has been made available for transfer this summer, according to The Times’ Paul Joyce.
James moved to Goodison Park from Real Madrid on a free transfer ahead of the 2020/21 season.
But it was Carlo Ancelotti who brought him to Merseyside, and the Italian has now returned to Los Blancos.
When asked about his future, Ancelotti’s replacement Rafael Benitez refused to ‘talk about individuals’ because ‘it’s not fair for the other players’.
And former Premier League Golden Boot winner Kevin Phillips interpreted that answer as a ‘come and get him’ message to his suitors.
How did James perform after joining Everton?
Rodriguez started 21 top-flight matches last season, scoring six goals and providing four assists (via WhoScored).
He maintained an average of 1.7 key passes per 90 minutes, the highest in the Everton squad.
But he also struggled with his calf. The recurring issue sidelined the Colombian for three spells totalling 11 matches.
Fan feed Toffee TV relayed Joyce’s claim, and here’s what supporters made of it, with one fan simply stating it is the ‘wrong decision’ by Benitez and the club.
These Everton fans don’t want to see James go
“Why would we sell him, this makes no sense, one of our most creative players, okay he might be on a big wage but the lad’s class”
Credit: @LiamTownson
“We’d be nuts to sell James, we need him to knit it altogether”
Credit: @Ade_Golf_EFC
“Too bad. Love watching him play. Even got a James shirt”
Credit: @herniandez
“Wrong decision by EFC and the new manager…The fans want to see him….”
Credit: @RobColes11
“I knew it was too good to be true, him staying”
Credit: @DiegoMa98867682
“Hope not”
Credit: @John1Gavin
In other news, fans react to this image as exit rumours swirl.
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