Highest market value in the league
Now it is a done deal. James Rodríguez will leave European football and join Qatari side Al-Rayyan SC for an undisclosed fee. The team coached by Laurent Blanc have confirmed the transfer of the 30-year-old playmaker from Everton on Wednesday. The transfer window in Qatar is open until Sep. 30.
The Colombian traveled to Qatar on Monday to negotiate a contract and has now completed his medical. ESPN reported that the Toffees would save almost all of the €11.5 million in yearly salary of the former Real Madrid star. Everton head coach Rafael Benítez has hinted that the transfer could be a part of the club’s compliance with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play.
Everton signed James in the summer of 2020 on a free transfer—Los Blancos were given a clause that would give them 10-20% of any future transfer fee. James has generated €140.6 million in fees, only 12 players around the world managed more.
€187m between James and 1st place: Players with the highest accumulative transfer fee
James Rodríguez hinted Everton departure in August
James collected 15 scorer points in 26 games under former Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti. But the playmaker was not always consistent and then voiced his disappointment after Ancelotti returned to Real Madrid before this season. The Colombian seemed to be disconnected from the Toffees for some time, which was evident in a recent post on Twitch. “I don’t even know who Everton are playing…” James said on the stream.
Al-Rayyan started the Stars League season with two draws. On Wednesday, Blanc’s team will face first placed Al-Sadd SC coached by former Barcelona star Xavi. James now becomes the most valuable player in the Stars League, ahead of former Premier League star Toby Alderweireld from Al-Duhail SC.
Bienvenido
Welcome
مرحبًا @jamesdrodriguez pic.twitter.com/Als0VqEqxD— AlRayyanSC (@AlrayyanSC) September 22, 2021
