---
title: "Exclusive: Bent backs Everton to cash in on James"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/exclusive-bent-backs-everton-to-cash-in-on-james-e158/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Danny Rust"
section: "Everton"
published: "2021-07-03T10:57:10Z"
modified: "2021-07-03T10:57:10Z"
---

# Exclusive: Bent backs Everton to cash in on James

**Marcus Bent has backed Everton to cash in on James Rodriguez during the summer transfer window.**

The Colombia international made the move to Goodison Park from Spanish giants Real Madrid last [September](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53992937), reportedly for [no transfer fee](https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/everton-signed-james-rodriguez-on-a-free-confirmed/1hrxwqiv4vvpi11fjus40c67yq), linking up with Carlo Ancelotti for the second time in his career.

Rodriguez’s arrival excited Everton’s fans, but the 2014 FIFA World Cup [Golden Boot](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/28279730) winner saw his progress on Merseyside hampered by a string of injuries.

As a result, the ex-Bayern Munich loanee was restricted to just [26 appearances](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/james-rodriguez/leistungsdaten/spieler/88103/plus/0?saison=2020) in his maiden campaign with the Toffees.

Rodriguez has now seen Ancelotti, who was a key reason for him agreeing to the move, depart Goodison Park in favour of a [return](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11671/12322483/carlo-ancelotti-leaves-everton-to-re-join-real-madrid-as-head-coach) to Real Madrid following Zinedine Zidane’s resignation.

Rafa Benitez has been appointed as the Italian’s successor despite his Liverpool links and ex-Toffees striker Bent feels it makes sense to allow Rodriguez to move on after a frustrating campaign in the Premier League.

Speaking exclusively to **The Transfer Tavern**, Bent said: *“He wasn’t consistent enough because of the injuries last season, but there’s going to be a price on his head now.*

*“Obviously, if they cash in you know they are going to make some money back on him.”*