Transfer news: James Rodriguez set to leave Everton

After spending a season with Everton, transfer news surrounds James Rodriguez with a possible move to Qatar. James Rodriguez joined Everton from Real Madrid in the summer of 2020 but looks set to leave after falling out of favour under Rafa Benitez. According to reports, that the 30-year-old is in talks over a move to Qatar. Rodriguez is under contract for the rest of the season but has not played at all under Benitez.

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The Colombia international played under Benitez during his time with Real Madrid back in the 2015/16 season. Reports from the time stated that Rodriguez refused to cut short a summer holiday to join the pre-season tour.

A couple of months into the campaign, Rodriguez opted to play for his country despite carrying an injury. Which questioned Benitez's apparent doubts over his physical condition.

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In short, it seems that the pair didn't exactly see eye to eye. And this is football, where grudges endure like in few other areas, so it's hardly surprising that the midfielder didn't appear to be in Benitez's plans on Merseyside (although his absence so far this season has been because of a Covid-related problem).