James Rodriguez: Prem return on the cards after Brighton, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth ‘make enquiries’
James Rodriguez could reportedly return to the Premier League this summer, with Brighton, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth all interested.
The former Everton and Real Madrid star has been without a club since April but is keen to return to football next season.
Rodriguez was impressive during his brief one-season stint with Everton. So, it will be interesting to see if he makes his return to England.
The 31-year-old had his contract with Olympiacos ripped up after just 23 games for the Greek club. During his time there, he made 23 appearances, scoring five goals and making six assists.
It’s unclear why his deal with Olympiacos was cut short, but it’s reported that Rodriguez left on ‘good terms.’
Rodriguez was one of the breakout stars of the 2014 World Cup, scoring six goals for Colombia as they reached the quarter-finals.
Following the tournament, he joined Real Madrid on a £63m deal, where he made over 100 appearances and won two LaLiga titles and two Champions Leagues.
Rodriguez also spent two seasons on loan with Bayern Munich, before signing for Everton in 2020, during the reign of Carlo Ancelotti.
James Rodriguez linked with Prem return
According to Colombian outlet El Futbolero, Brighton, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth are ‘trying to work out whether a deal for Rodriguez would be possible.’
Journalist Christian Martin said: “We understand that he (James) prioritizes continuing in European football. Could it be England?
“We understand that there is a possibility that Crystal Palace, Bournemouth or even Brighton, who are not used to making this type of signing, will at least find out the conditions in which the Colombian could arrive.”
Given Rodriguez is out of contract, he would be available on a free transfer. But, given his past injury issues and, most likely, high wage demands, bringing him in could be a risk.
Saying that, he has already proved that he can perform in the Premier League. Most Everton fans were gutted when the Colombian left Goodison Park.
Indeed, Rodriguez played a key role in an exciting season under Ancelotti, when the Toffees were 2nd on Boxing Day, but struggled for form in the second half of the campaign.
Overall, the playmaker made 26 appearances for Everton across all competitions. In the process, he scored six goals and made nine assists.
That is in stark contrast to the Everton we know today, who currently find themselves just one point outside the relegation zone.
With that in mind, it will be interesting to see if he makes a return to the Premier League next season.
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