Now it is a done deal. James Rodriguez will leave European football and join Qatari side Al-Rayyan SC for an undisclosed fee. The team coached by Laurent Blanc confirmed the transfer of the 30-year-old playmaker from Everton on Wednesday. The transfer window in Qatar is open until September 30th.
As reported by BBC, the Colombian footballer earlier traveled to Qatar for talks with Al Rayyan, which led to the rise of speculations about him exiting the Premier League side. Everton manager Rafael Benítez spoke about the player’s exit after his side’s Carabao Cup loss to Queen Park Rangers on September 22.
The Qatari side made the announcement on social media on Wednesday afternoon before a statement from the Blues followed just minutes later.
The Colombian has fallen out of favour at Everton following the arrival of Rafa Benitez after the Spaniard replaced Carlo Ancelotti in the summer.
The 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner had an option to move to Portugal during the transfer window but a deal could not be agreed with Porto.
However, he has now left Everton to join Al Rayyan, who are managed by former Manchester United defender Laurent Blanc and finished third in the domestic Qatar Stars League last season.
