Done Deal
ADIOS ROD
James Rodriguez’s move to Qatari club Al Rayyan CONFIRMED after Everton freeze out and NEVER playing in front of fans
JAMES RODRIGUEZ has officially left Everton and joined Qatari club Al Rayyan.
The Colombian had appeared disinterested since Carlo Ancelotti left for Real Madrid and has now agreed an exit before playing a single game in front of Toffees fans.
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Everton confirmed this afternoon: "James Rodriguez has left Everton to sign for Qatari club Al Rayyan for an undisclosed fee.
"The 30-year-old Colombia international moves to the Middle East after 12 months at Goodison Park.
Having joined from Real Madrid in September 2020, James made 26 appearances in all competitions for Everton last season, scoring six goals."
Earlier on Wednesday, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano tweeted: "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.
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"Medical already completed. James now set to leave European football."
Rodriguez, 30, had been frozen out by Rafa Benitez and was yet to make a single appearance for the Toffees this season now fans are back after the Covid shut out.
And Benitez recently informed the playmaker he was no longer a part of his plans.
Rodriguez was said to have flown to Qatar on Saturday to seal the move.
A deal with Porto was in the pipeline, which would have involved an exchange with Luiz Diaz.
But that fell through in the final days of the summer transfer window.
It is thought the player's eye-watering £200,000-a-week salary put some suitors off.
Rodriguez emerged as one of the game’s most sought after stars following his 2014 World Cup Golden Boot win.
And the player initially enjoyed a fine start to his Everton career after sealing a surprise move to Merseyside from Real Madrid in September 2020 for £12million.
However, injuries have blighted the playmaker’s spell at the club.
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The 80-cap international has made just five appearances for the Toffees since February, netting just once.
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And the total cost to bring him to Qatar is thought to be around £6.9m.
The disillusioned star recently made an alarming admission when he revealed he wasn't even sure who Everton were playing.
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