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Everton: Major update on James Rodriguez and his potential move to AC Milan

By Parth Jhaveri

Everton's Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez celebrates after scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Everton and West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on September 19, 2020. (Photo by Nick Potts / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by NICK POTTS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Everton's Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez celebrates after scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Everton and West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on September 19, 2020. (Photo by Nick Potts / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by NICK POTTS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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One of the biggest talking points on the Everton half is the future of James Rodriguez. The Colombian arrived at Goodison last summer, thanks to the efforts and pulling power of then-manager Carlo Ancelotti. Would have they managed to acquire the magical Colombian otherwise? Unlikely.

Ancelotti left this summer leaving a sour taste on the Everton tongues which once again jeopardized Everton’s long term future and further contributed to the instability. Post Ancelotti’s departure, questions arose over James’ future too.

The 30 year old sprinkled magic through his skills on the Goodison turf last season, especially in the early first half, giving immense moments of joy to Evertonians. Fitness issues and niggles disturbed his momentum as James then kept on missing games from time to time, failing to get an extended and clean run. But, whenever he was in the lineup, the Toffees looked as creative as ever.

Without Ancelotti and European football, the Colombian could look for a new club this summer. In fact, new boss Rafa Benitez has told James that he could leave Everton. It is now looking increasingly likely that the 30-year-old will bid farewell after just one season in Merseyside.

James Rodriguez could leave Everton this summer

The Player’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has been working actively to find a new club for his client. Mendes had offered Rodriguez’s services to three clubs: AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, and Napoli. Out of the three clubs mentioned, Milan looked the most interested party as they were considering Rodriguez as a replacement for Hakan Calhanoglu who is now considered a traitor on the Rossoneri side.

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Now, according to Tuttosport (via Milan News), interest is getting colder over signing Rodriguez despite Mendes’ best attempts to engineer a move. It appears that Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara are now evaluating other players. Perhaps, the Milan hierarchy decided to turn their attention away from Rodriguez because of lack of surety over his fitness and his high wage demands.

This will be a blow to the Colombian who is now looking more and more away from staying at Everton. James further cast doubt on his future when his countryman Yerry Mina pleaded the former Real Madrid man to stay at the club on Twitch. James’ response:

"We are at a club that is not the best, but you can compete with anyone. Football changes a lot; look at Messi; he is now at PSG.Physically, I’m fine; I haven’t felt like this for months. I want to have a good season whether it’s here or wherever, football takes many turns. (via Liverpool ECHO)"

With a move to Milan seemingly off the table, James’ future is still up in the air.

After Leon Bailey and Dwight McNeil, Everton and Aston Villa could battle for £20 million midfielder. dark. Next

Will James Rodriguez leave the club?