Real Madrid’s James Rodriguez close to signing with Everton

Real Madrid and Everton are closing in on a €25 million agreement for Colombian playmaker James Rodriguez, who would join the Premier League and reunite with Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti for the third time in his career.

Everton’s interest in James was reported last week but no transfer fees were disclosed. Now, it seems that Madrid will finally get those more than €20 million for a player who wasn’t even relevant this past season. Furthermore, James’ contract expires in 2021, so this is good business from Real Madrid’s perspective.

James’ career has been on a downward spiral ever since his debut season for Madrid under Carlo Ancelotti in 2015. He has shown glimpses of his quality and his talen ever since, but couldn’t find consistency during his two-year loan deal in Bayern and has never been an important player for Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane.

Reuniting with Ancelotti in Everton makes sense. While adapting to the Premier League could be somewhat difficult for a playmaker like him, James will surely be an undisputed starter and the main star for Ancelotti.

The agreement between Real Madrid and Everton is expected to be announced soon.