Sky Sports has recently claimed that Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez is set for a summer move to Everton with a potential deal expected to be struck between the two clubs by Wednesday. ESPN has also revealed that Los Blancos are currently locked in negotiations with the Toffees over a potential move for the Colombian international during this summer transfer period.
Rodriguez’s Struggles To Find Form At The Spanish Capital
It was a season full of frustration for the ex-FC Porto attacker as he struggled to perform at top gear for the Madrid outfit over the past 12 months. The Cucuta-born sensation was involved in 14 games for the Spanish champions in the last term, finding the back of the net on one occasion while securing two assists across all fronts.
Rodriguez’s campaign was hampered by multiple injuries, but he showed some fight and grit by averaging 2.1 tackles, 1.1 shots, 0.8 crosses and 1.8 key passes per match in the 2019-20 La Liga season. He took care of the ball well after making 82.3% of his attempted passes in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
Carlo Ancelotti has the luxury of guaranteeing him regular first-team minutes at Goodison Park next season. Therefore, it makes sense for Rodriguez to end his Bernabeu misery by sealing a move to the north-west of England within the next few days.
What Does The Experienced Colombian International Bring To The Table?
Rodriguez has the technical qualities to walk into most top-flight sides in Europe. He has often been used as a box to box midfielder in recent times as he boasts excellent close control of the ball which allows him to keep possession ticking without breaking a sweat at the centre of the park.
The 76-time Colombian international can strike the ball purely and with a lot of venom, which makes him a force to be reckoned with from long range. The former AS Monaco playmaker can also be quite creative with his passes when he is playing well on the pitch.
Rodriguez Set For A Summer Move To Everton: Good Riddance For Los Blancos?
Rodriguez made a promising start to his career at Real Madrid. However, he has fallen off the pace considerably over the past few years and is now surplus to requirements at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane should think about cashing in on him as soon as possible so that he can raise some funds for a few incoming transfers in the future.
Furthermore, getting Rodriguez off their wage bill will boost the finances of the Madrid giants ahead of the new season. All in all, Rodriguez’s move to join the Toffees seems like good riddance for Zidane as it will help him trim off some of the deadwood from his squad during this ongoing transfer window.
