Everton boss Rafael Benitez hints at James Rodriguez’s departure amid financial crunch

Everton’s new manager Rafael Benitez was very clear about putting up players for sale in order to free up funds to bring reinforcements for the Toffees. Hence there are questions over former Real Madrid playmaker James Rodriguez and his future at Goodison Park.

Rodriguez joined the Toffees last season after his favourite manager Carlo Ancelotti convinced him to feature in the Premier League. However things have changed a lot in a single year, Ancelotti has left Goodison Park and has returned to Real Madrid whereas the Colombian is still unsure about his future.

Recently there were rumours of James Rodriguez joining reigning La Liga Champions Atletico Madrid. But even those rumours have diluted in the last few days as the Rojiblancos are set to welcome Antoine Greizmann from FC Barcelona.

Everton has spent over £400 on reinforcements since 2016. Therefore Benitez is mindful of the situation and when quizzed about James Rodriguez’s future at the club, the Spanish tactician said, “Everybody knows that this club has spent a lot of money in the last few years so that means that Financial Fair Play is a factor.

“If you have players with big salaries that normally aren’t playing then you want to find a solution and this solution will mean you have money to spend on new players.

“So we will try to maximise what we have and manage the best way possible to be sure we can bring players that will make us strong.”

The 30-year-old’s current contract runs out till the end of the following season. Therefore the Toffees will have to decide on the Colombian’s future. There were reports that James is struggling with life in England and an exit looks more and more imminent with every passing day. Apart from the Rojiblancos, AC Milan are also desperate to sign the Colombian as they look to replace Turkish midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu. However, Benitez is not willing to speculate anything at the moment.

“I am sure your friends will be asking about players, but I think it’s better to talk about the team, the ideas, than individuals.

“Everybody has to keep training, do their jobs, and we will continue looking for the best options to improve the team.

“With respect, we don’t talk about individuals. It’s not fair for the other players,” he concluded.