Ever since Carlo Ancelotti left Everton to join Real Madrid, the future of James Rodriguez has been one of the biggest talking points. From time to time, it has been pointed out that he could leave Everton but so far he’s failed to engineer a move away from Goodison Park. It now appears an unlikely suitor has emerged in Istanbul Basaksehir who offers him a way out.
The Colombian was left shocked when Ancelotti left Everton and had no idea whether he would play the next season in Merseyside. The very reason he came to Everton was because of Ancelotti and their cordial relationship. However, when Rafa Benitez arrived at the helm, reports spread like wildfire that the Spaniard had communicated it to the 30 year old to find a new club as he did not feature in the manager’s plans.
His agent, Jorge Mendes, left no stone unturned in finding a new club for James, initially offering him to Napoli, Atletico Madrid and AC Milan. Out of the three, Milan looked to be the most interested club as they were searching for a replacement for Hakan Calhanoglu. The Rossoneri also met with James’ entourage to discuss a possible transfer but in the end, Paolo Maldini decided against pursuing such the deal.
Possibly, doubts over James’ fitness and his hefty wage demands had emerged. On the other hand, the Royal Blues were formulating ways to offload the Colombian by even sending him out on loan as a part of the deal. Everton’s renowned interest for Luis Diaz was met with disappointment as the Porto winger stayed with the Dragoes but Everton had proposed an offer in excess of €30 million plus James on a season long loan on the transfer deadline day.
Istanbul Basaksehir want Everton star James Rodriguez
However, that deal didn’t go through and it appeared James would stay at Everton. Bar debates have begun as to how can Rafa Benitez incorporate Rodriguez into the current system and whether can the Colombian continue to be as influential as he was last season. There is no doubt over his qualities but with Everton now sacrificing possession to an extent and concentrating on quick attacks rather than swift build up, James might have little time on the ball.
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In comes Istanbul Basaksehir. For those wondering how can a team make an offer despite the transfer window being shut, the transfer window is still open in Turkey. So English clubs can continue to sell or loan players to Turkish clubs but can’t engage in signing new players.
According to Foot Mercato, Basaksehir want to take the Colombian on a season long loan before the end of the Turkish transfer window. The curtains draw next week and the 2019-20 Super Lig champions are determined to close the deal before that.
As per Liverpool ECHO, the Toffees are still exploring the options to find a club in Turkey, Russia or Portugal that will be ready to take their best paid player. The player earns around £200,000 per week and has so far rejected to accept reduced wages.
What financial package Istanbul Basaksehir is offering is yet unknown. Even if the Toffees are open to offloading the Colombian, it remains to be seen whether the former Real Madrid player is open to the prospect of playing in Turkey.
Will James Rodriguez leave Merseyside to play in Turkey?