Everton have received a blow in pursuit of James Rodriguez as he is likely to join Atletico Madrid from Real Madrid.
Real Madrid purchased James Rodriguez from AS Monaco back in 2014 for £67 million, in a bid to maximize their creative output. Then Real manager Carlo Ancelotti was fond of the Colombian and his admiration was even evident after six years when he tried to bring the 28 year old to Everton. However, the Italian may have to forget about a reunion as James Rodriguez is tipped to make a move to Atletico Madrid.
The slump of James Rodriguez has been massive and it was quite frankly it was not his fault. From being one of the first names under Carlo Ancelotti to not even being in the match day squad under Zinedine Zidane, Rodriguez has seen a massive drop in game time, personal confidence and market value.
Earlier in June, news emerged that Real will be willing to accept an offer for James as low as £20 million. Marcel Brand’s eyes dilated seeing a £20 million price tag which was previously set at £45 million. Ancelotti was more than happy to have Rodriguez at Goodison Park.
No serious attempts were made to sign the Colombian but he always was touted as a possible target for the Toffees. If there were any chances for the Royal Blues to acquire the services of James Rodriguez, they may well have hit a dead end.
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According to Spanish journalist Pedro Pablo Parrado, who spoke on El Golazo de Gol, said that James will make a cross city switch to Atletico Madrid for £13.5 million pouring cold water on any Everton hopes. Los Rojiblancos also tried to sign the Colombian last summer but a move was blocked.
It is true that the Toffees have lacked the creative punch which could well have been provided by James Rodriguez. Carlo Ancelotti has often considered the Colombian his adopted son and has helped him from time to time during the Italian’s tenure in Madrid. A reunion of the duo would have been a cherishable story.
The 28 year old had to move away from Santiago Bernabeu in order to find some playing time. A move to Atletico may surprise many but James may find the opportunities he needs at Wanda Metropolitano. He’ll definitely add a different dimension to Diego Simeone’s team, offering imagination in a compact, conservative team.
As for Everton, it will definitely be a blow but not a big one. There are plenty of other targets on the market and Brands must continue working on possible deals for them.