Abdoulaye Doucoure has claimed that Everton superstar James Rodriguez will leave the Toffees for a big club soon, in an interview with French magazine Onzie Mondial.
Both Doucoure and Rodriguez moved to Goodison Park at the start of the season, and they have been brilliant. The former Watford man has given Everton a brilliant balance in midfield and he has formed a fantastic partnership with fellow summer arrival Allan.
Rodriguez, on the other hand, has been outstanding. The former Real Madrid man has been directly involved in six goals in 10 appearances this season. With him in the squad, Everton look extremely dangerous, but could they keep him at the club for a long time?
Doucoure claimed that Real Madrid were wrong to sell him in the summer window. He also believes that Rodriguez will return to a very big club in the near future.
He said: “I think Real Madrid made a mistake by letting him go. I was able to talk to him. He told me Zidane had his starting XI, and it was hard to break in. Real Madrid have a lot of great players, but James is a magnificent footballer. He has everything. I understand why they paid €80m for him.
“He had a good spell at Bayern Munich even if he wasn’t kept. Sooner or later, he’ll return to a very big club, because he’s got great qualities. He was just lacking minutes and confidence. This year, he’s at his level, he’s good mentally and physically.”
Rodriguez is 29 already and he has signed a deal until the summer of 2022. Everton also have an option to extend his contract by another year, which should put them in a strong position even if a big club comes in with an offer.
However, it does look unlikely at this stage. Not many clubs in Europe will spend big money on a soon-to-be 30-year-old. Rodriguez will probably see out his contract at Everton, if not extend it.
Doucoure’s comments might annoy a few Everton fans, but they should not be worried. If the Toffees can reach their ambitions for the season, Rodriguez will have no reason to leave the club, and him staying makes them a whole lot stronger.
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