James Rodriguez told by Benitez he is surplus to requirements at Everton
Martin Macdonald
- 30 Jul 2021 15:34 BST
- 3 min read
Everton manager Rafa Benitez has reportedly informed James Rodriguez that he will not be counted on as a regular starter for the Toffees this season.
Following the departure of Carlo Ancelotti at Goodison Park, with the Italian returning to Real Madrid, Everton made the controversial decision to appoint former Liverpool manager Benitez as the new man in charge.
Benitez's history with Liverpool, as well as the fact he once referred to Everton as a "small club" following a Merseyside Derby, led to the appointment receiving a negative reaction from the Goodison Park faithful.
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After being deemed surplus to requirements at Real Madrid, James was allowed to join Everton for next to nothing.
The Colombian enjoyed an electric start to life in England, scoring three and recording three assists within his first five matches.
Injury issues subsequently impacted his campaign as he started only 21/38 matches in the 2020/21 Premier League season.
It seems that he has not done enough to convince Benitez that he can be a key player for Everton this campaign.
What was said between the paiR?
Spanish journalist Edu Aguirre told El Chiringuito: “On the first day of Everton’s pre-season, Rafa Benitez, Everton’s new coach, has a meeting with James Rodriguez.
“In the meeting, he tells him the following - ‘James, I am not counting on you, with me, you are not going to play’. So, James is looking for a way out of Everton.
“He would love to be at Everton and likes the English league, but if he is not going to play, he needs to look for a way out because he is 30-years-old, still feels young and wants to play.
“It is true that James is a bit sad and a bit disappointed with both the club and Benitez. There is a deep sadness there.
“He feels he is not being treated well and has given everything for Everton, but messages are now being leaked to make him throw in the towel.
“He has one year left on his contract, which finishes in 2022, and earns around €6m a year, and the feeling is that people are getting on his back and leaking fake news so that James leaves Everton.
“From now on, we will see what will happen because it’s true James has a high salary, but there are formulas for that.”
