Everton have started talks with out-of-favour Real Madrid star James Rodriguez, according to the Telegraph. The Colombian international is one of the many players that are reportedly on the transfer market for the Los Blancos.
Everton in Talks to Sign James Rodriguez
End of a Frustrating Period
James Rodriguez joined Real Madrid in 2014 as the fourth most expensive, at that time, player in the world. At the time of his arrival, the Colombian was a hot property. The Colombian was one of the stars of the just-finished World Cup and had recently won the Golden Boot in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
The attacking midfielder had an impressive debut season under Ancelotti. But, things started going downhill following the departure of the Italian. The Colombian struggled under new manager Rafael Benitez and his successor Zinedine Zidane. The Frenchman opted to bring Rodriguez from the bench despite impressing during his substitute appearances.
After struggling under the French icon, Rodriguez was allowed to move on a two-year loan deal to Bayern Munich in 2017. Despite impressing at Bayern, the Bavarians decided against signing the Colombian and attacking midfielder moved back to his parent club in 2019.
The last campaign saw Rodriguez struggling with injuries as he made just fourteen appearances across all competitions.
A Reunion With Carlo Ancelotti on the Cards
Carlo Ancelott was the Real Madrid manager when James Rodriguez arrived in 2014. It was under the Italian that Rodriguez prospered the most during his Real Madrid career. During his only season under Ancelotti at Madrid, the Colombian scored a season-high 17 goals in 46 appearances across all competitions.
Rodriguez has failed to rediscover his form and has struggled since the Italian’s departure. The duo once again got together in Bayern during the 2017/18 season but could not reproduce the old magic as Ancelotti left just months after the Colombian’s arrival.
Rodriguez was reportedly a target for Ancelotti when he was managing in Napoli, but nothing came off it. Now with Real Madrid looking to sell the attacker, Ancelotti can finally get his wish of signing the 29-year-old star.
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