Entering his first full season as the Everton manager, Carlo Ancelotti is expected to make some exciting additions to his squad this summer and one such name now doing the rounds is that of Real Madrid star, James Rodriguez.
A story from talkSPORT claims that James Rodriguez is no longer a first-team option for Zinedine Zidane in Spain and Ancelotti is ready to lure him to Merseyside this summer.
The Colombian attacker has less than a year left on his current deal and might not be too expensive but is he the right man for Everton?
James Rodriguez And His Struggles
Having announced himself to world football in the 2014 World Cup, Rodriguez was expected to be the future of Real Madrid.
He was brought to Bernabeu by Ancelotti immediately but the 29-year old failed to show enough quality to cement a place in the first team after the initial euphoria died down. He was sent out on loan to Bayern Munich in 2017 before returning just last summer.
Rodriguez spent two years on loan in the Bundesliga where he registered 14 goals and 15 assists in 43 appearances for the club. But the German side were not ready to meet his asking price, which saw the Colombian move back to Madrid last summer.
He made just five league starts last season in Spain and will now be in search of first-team action. A reunion with Ancelotti for the third time could just be what the player needs at this stage of his career.
Right Man For Everton?
Lack of European football may hinder this deal but Ancelotti’s pull and the fact that James Rodriguez has just a year left on his current deal with Real Madrid could make this move possible this summer.
The Toffees have Gylfi Sigurdsson as the only bonafide playmaker in their squad. Bernard, Alex Iwobi and even Richarlison were used in this role last season but signing Rodriguez will change the entire picture at Goodison Park.
The Real Madrid star is a versatile attacker who can play across the front line. But Everton have the likes of Richarlison, Walcott and Bernard on the wings, which could see Rodriguez used in a no.10 role extensively.
Rodriguez is a gifted footballer and will be a hard man to mark for even the best of defences in England. His movement and ability to test the keeper from range will add a different dimension to a struggling Everton attack.
At his age, Rodriguez does have at least another two seasons at his prime and if available on the cheap, Ancelotti should do what it takes to land him this summer.
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