Everton have secured the signature of Real Madrid midfielder James Rodríguez on a two-year deal with the option of a third for a fee in the region of €25m. The Colombia midfielder, who joined Madrid in 2014 after shining at the World Cup in Brazil, has left the Bernabéu after six years to be reunited with his mentor Carlo Ancelotti in the Premier League. 

The 29-year-old has long been linked with a move away from the Bernabéu after a two-year loan spell at Bayern Munich failed to produce a permanent deal. Last season under Zinedine Zidane James played a bit part role, managing just 14 appearances across all competitions, and Everton have managed to convince the 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner to ply his trade at Goodison Park. 

The move is a logical one given the presence at Goodison of Ancelotti. The Italian tactician oversaw James’ finest season at the Bernabéu in 2014-15 and James was briefly linked with a move to Napoli to rejoin Ancelotti when the former Madrid manager moved to San Paolo in 2018. The pair also briefly coincided at Bayern Munich in 2017 when Ancelotti brought James in on loan from Madrid. 

James and Allan form new-look Everton midfield

James’ move to Everton was officially confirmed by the Premier League side on Monday followiing the addition of another Ancelotti favourite, Allan, from Napoli for a similar fee, reported to be €25m.