Rumours are continuously swirling across Merseyside of Everton manager Rafa Benitez reportedly informing midfield starlet James Rodriguez that he is not a part of his plans for the upcoming Premier League season.
According to multiple sources, the newly appointed Blues gaffer has made it clear to the Colombian international that he is free to leave this summer, with AC Milan and Porto among the clubs interested.
Rodriguez almost confirmed these rumours in a gaming stream on the Twitch platform a few nights ago. On the stream, the midfielder emphasised that he must be at a club where he is “wanted”.
At the head of another Everton rebuild, Benitez wants a big clear-out of wages and dead wood, but is this a good idea for the Toffees?
On one hand, it seems a little bit confusing. Ridding the maestro that became an instant fan favourite by leading his new side to their best start to a league campaign in over a century? Crazy.
The 2014 World Cup superstar definitely got off to a hot start with his new club, recording an impressive three goals and three assists in the opening five match days.
This flying form allowed the Toffees to endure their best winning run since their title-winning year back in 1987.
(Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Getty Images)
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing, as the rest of Rodriguez’s season was riddled with injuries as the Blues would eventually fall to a more familiar and miserable tenth-place finish.
Rodriguez would only make a slender 21 Premier League starts, failing to string together more than four league appearances in a row since a calf injury in late October.
This sparks discussion on whether the midfielder can actually handle the physicality of England’s top flight. This, along with the 30-year-old’s apparently mammoth impact on the Everton wage book, means Benitez’s alleged actions seem less puzzling.
Now on the other hand, shipping Rodriguez off along with the dead wood of the squad (such as Fabian Delph, Andre Gomes and Jonjoe Kenny) will provide the Blues some much needed cash to bring in reinforcements.
Arguably the number one position Everton are in need of strengthening is for a proven, young right back to challenge the ageing club captain Seamus Coleman. Standout performer for the Netherlands at the Euros, Denzel Dumfries, would be great use of the money.
Along with this, the Blues are in dire need of another starting-calibre winger to improve service to target man and top scorer Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
With promising Burnley star Dwight McNeil being one of the main targets on Benitez’s list, securing the winger would drastically improve the quality of play on the flanks.
Hence, in order to align with the Blues’ current sell-to-buy transfer philosophy and to bring in much needed young talent, selling on James Rodriguez doesn’t seem too bad after all.
However, while clubs from abroad including AC Milan and Porto are interested in the Colombian’s services, his hefty wages are likely to have potential suitors turn away.
Then it is increasingly likely the midfield superstar may remain an Everton player for the upcoming season.
As for now, Rodriguez and his Blues teammates will begin their campaign under new manager Rafa Benitez at home to Southampton next weekend.
Ian
Roar Rookie
I think he's on his way out.Rafa won't tolerate one of his top earners playing only 20 games a season.He's a good player but simply doesn't play enough.
Luca Larocca
Roar Rookie
Yeah true, but looking at the club's higher paid players, James is amongst those whilst playing only half the amount of games players like Digne, Richarlison etc. Yeah he definitely began the season well, but after the 7th or 8th match week, he began to fall off with injuries and inconsistent performances. If he can remain healthy for the most part of a full premier league season (which a lot of critics believe he cannot), then he can definitely be a huge use to the squad. But it is also likely that he may continue to struggle with the physicality of the Prem. Yeah also Rafa's off-field interactions with James could be a factor, since they similarly clashed at Madrid when the spaniard arrived as Real manager and refused to have the Columbian in his regular playing squad.
Sam McCosker
Roar Rookie
His wages aren't too bad, not even 5 million pounds a season. Surely after a successful season you'd consider keeping him especially if he performs well now. Maybe something Rafa doesn't like off the field?