Everton have secured a deal to sign Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez, Jason Burt, of the Daily Telegraph reports.
An announcement on the transfer is imminent. Rodriguez will sign a three-year contract with the Toffees.
Fabrizio Romano has also given the transfer his “here we go” as it nears completion.
Everton Agree James Rodriguez Signing
Coup Signing for Everton
This is a coup signing for Carlo Ancelotti – who will be reunited with the Colombian midfielder.
Rodriguez brings a wealth of experience from a host of top European leagues, the Champions League, and, of course, the World Cup – where he announced himself.
It is reported that Real Madrid had been demanding a €25 million transfer fee. It is unknown as to whether Everton have decided to pay that fee or have negotiated a cheaper deal.
The attacking-midfielder is said to be willing to take a substantial pay cut to work with Carlo Ancelotti again. They have worked together twice before, at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
Rodriguez is not in Merseyside yet, though the terms of the deal have been agreed upon. He will undergo a medical on Wednesday.
Impressive Ability to Adapt
James Rodriguez has phenomenally adapted to every league he has been in. He should have no problem finding his best form in the Premier League.
From his Liga NOS days with FC Porto to Ligue 1 with AS Monaco, La Liga with Real, and the Bundesliga with Bayern, Rodriguez has always delivered.
Rodriguez dished out 53 goal involvements in 65 Liga NOS appearances, 22 in 34 Ligue 1 games, 57 goals or assists in 85 La Liga apps, and 29 in 43 Bundesliga games.
Does it get much better than that in terms of consistently delivering in different countries?
Everton will be hoping the Premier League provides just another obstacle for the 29-year-old, who has also represented his country to great effect.
That 2014 World Cup
There’s just something about James Rodriguez and that 2014 World Cup. His first experience of the competition, he scored a goal in every single game, and two against Uruguay, before Colombia were eliminated by Brazil in the quarter-finals. His six goals secured the Golden Boot.
Rodriguez scored a remarkable volley against Uruguay in the Last 16, a goal that later proved worthy of FIFA’s Puskas Award.
His trophy cabinet will be filled with a number of individual awards and team medals too.
In his ten years in Europe, he has lifted seven league titles.
Time to Deliver
Few would have frowned had any of the “big six” Premier League clubs gone out and signed James Rodriguez, making this a truly stunning signing for Everton & Carlo Ancelotti.
Whilst much seems rosy with big names in-place at Goodison Park, it’s time to deliver on the pitch. Many a time the Toffees have enthused to rise as viable candidates for silverware and European football qualification, and many a time they have been disappointing.
Rodriguez is capable of adding that magical moment to win games out of nowhere. It will also be hoped that he can use his ability and reputation to inspire his new teammates.
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