According to Turkish journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, Everton agreed a deal to sell James Rodriguez to İstanbul Başakşehir F.K..
What’s the story?
Well, Sabuncuoğlu’s update – which was reinforced by AS – claimed that Everton had an agreement with the Süper Lig side.
However, it was Rodriguez himself who refused to leave Goodison Park.
AS believe İstanbul Başakşehir – who sit second from bottom in Turkey’s top-flight – could not convince the man Carlo Ancelotti called ‘outstanding‘ to join them.
Rafa Benitez did not exactly see eye-to-eye with the 30-year-old while in charge of Real Madrid.
As The Athletic explain, there is still some bad blood between Benitez and Rodriguez, which the Spaniard is hoping to find a solution to.
In our view, agreeing a deal to offload him before asking for Rodriguez’s thoughts on the transfer won’t have helped their relationship.
Everton must reintegrate James Rodriguez
There are clearly a few hurdles to overcome before this happens, but the Toffees must find a way to reintegrate the 80-cap Colombia international.
Rodriguez got his Everton career off to a flying start last season with three goals and three assists in his first five Premier League games.
His attitude has been questionable at times, and it feels like he’s mentally checked out since Ancelotti returned to Real Madrid.
However, he is a world class footballer.
With all due respect, Everton don’t have many world class footballers, so it would be wasteful to leave him on the sidelines.
Of course, this is easier said than done. Rodriguez tends to coast through games at times, and Benitez likes his players to work hard.
It’s no wonder they clash.
Having said this, if Benitez can find a way to get Rodriguez on his side, Everton will have a fantastic weapon in their armoury once again.
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