Everton midfielder James Rodriguez is in talks with a club in Qatar as he seeks to leave the club, reports The Times‘ Paul Joyce.
The 30-year-old Colombia star joined Everton in 2020 in a move that saw him reunited with then-former and now-current Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti.
Ever since Rafa Benitez’s arrival to replace Ancelotti, who opted to return to his former post at the Bernabeu, it has seemed inevitable that Rodriguez would leave The Toffees.
James Rodriguez Talking to Qatari Based Club With Everton Exit on the Agenda
Decent Start to Life at Everton
Since joining Everton, Rodriguez has played in 26 games, scoring five and assisting nine goals. He was particularly seen to best effect at the start of his spell, scoring three and assisting three in his first five Premier League outings.
The remainder of the season was occasionally affected by injury and he managed a further three goals and one assist in his following 18 league appearances.
Rodriguez has yet to feature for the club in 2021/22 and is unlikely to.
A player of his star calibre is obviously filling an unwanted hefty spot in the club’s wage bill, especially with him not contributing to the fortunes on the pitch.
Failed Porto Move
Rodriguez’s prospective return to Porto collapsed in the final days of the summer transfer window.
Everton are seemingly desperate to offload the two-time Champions League winner and, as reported by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, are prepared to accept any destination for his exit.
A number of familiar faces have made the move to Qatar over the years as the 2022 World Cup hosts seek to improve the level of football at home.
Al-Rayyan Reported to Be the Club in for James Rodriguez
Elsewhere, as cited by Zach Lowy, Cesar Luis Merlo reports that Rodriguez is headed to Al-Rayyan, a club coached by former Paris Saint-Germain manager Laurent Blanc.
James Rodríguez has reached an agreement to play for Al-Rayyan in Qatar until June 2022. Between his wages and the loan fee, Al Rayyan will pay €8 million, per @CLMerlo.
— Zach Lowy (@ZachLowy) September 20, 2021
In fact, the report claims an agreement has been reached for the move which will see Rodriguez sign on loan until June 2022.
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