---
title: "Everton: Fans react to James Rodriguez report"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/everton-fans-react-to-james-rodriguez-report/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "David Comerford"
section: "Everton News"
published: "2021-07-20T17:35:44Z"
modified: "2021-07-20T17:35:44Z"
---

# Everton: Fans react to James Rodriguez report

**Everton star James Rodriguez has been made available for transfer this summer, according to [The Times’](https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/everton-eye-dwight-mcneil-as-rafa-ben-tez-closes-in-on-wide-men-demarai-gray-and-andros-townsend-kxcncfnsh?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1626695701) Paul Joyce.**

James moved to Goodison Park from Real Madrid on [a free transfer](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/james-rodriguez/transfers/spieler/88103) 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](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/rafa-benitez-everton-james-rodriguez-21050434) to ‘talk about individuals’ because ‘it’s not fair for the other players’.

And former Premier League Golden Boot winner Kevin Phillips [interpreted that](https://www.footballinsider247.com/everton-star-rodriguez-may-be-transfer-listed-amid-benitez-remark-pundit/) 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](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/71182/Show/James-Rodr%C3%ADguez)).

He maintained an average of 1.7 key passes per 90 minutes, [the highest in the Everton squad](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/31/Show/England-Everton).

But he also struggled with his calf. The recurring issue sidelined the Colombian for three spells totalling [11 matches](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/james-rodriguez/verletzungen/spieler/88103).

Fan feed [Toffee TV](https://twitter.com/ToffeeTVEFC/status/1417145426554273797) 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](https://twitter.com/LiamTownson/status/1417153163472297987)

**“We’d be nuts to sell James, we need him to knit it altogether”**

Credit: [@Ade\_Golf\_EFC](https://twitter.com/Ade_Golf_EFC/status/1417152732088127495)

**“Too bad. Love watching him play. Even got a James shirt”**

Credit: [@herniandez](https://twitter.com/herniandez/status/1417150482129162240)

**“Wrong decision by EFC and the new manager…The fans want to see him….”**

Credit: [@RobColes11](https://twitter.com/RobColes11/status/1417192143383322632)

**“I knew it was too good to be true, him staying”**

Credit: [@DiegoMa98867682](https://twitter.com/DiegoMa98867682/status/1417146778143571973)

**“Hope not”**

Credit: [@John1Gavin](https://twitter.com/John1Gavin/status/1417205107779948548)

**In other news, [fans react to this image as exit rumours swirl](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/everton-fc-news/everton-fans-react-to-moise-kean-image/).**