In terms of big transfers, there’s not many that are likely to cause as much of a wave as Everton’s capture of James Rodriguez this summer.
The Colombian may not be at the peak of his powers after a disappointing year at Real Madrid, but the arrival of a bonafide global star at Goodison Park has undoubtedly made plenty stand up and take notice.
The signing has picked up plenty of coverage in the world’s media, particularly in Spain and Colombia, where the player’s brand is obviously strongest.
Marca continue that today, with their editions in both countries covering the move and having their say on it.
The Spanish edition basically just cover his arrival, stating that the move to Everton happened thanks to Carlo Ancelotti’s ‘insistence’ and Rodriguez’s willingness to take a wage cut.
They state his departure brings an end to a ‘disappointing’ return to the Bernabeu for the Colombian following a two-year spell at Bayern Munich.
Madrid had hoped that he would ‘recover the best version’ of himself, but in the end, his return turned out to be nothing more than a ‘testimonial’.
While she describes the midfielder as a player with ‘magic in his left leg’ and the ‘vision of the chosen ones’ she admits ‘something has not come together’ for him in recent years.
That’s why the move to Everton has come about, a transfer that sees him reuniting with Carlo Ancelotti, the manager who ‘has always believed’ in him and ‘has not let go of his hand’.
The Blues belief is the Italian can get the best out of him once again like he did at both Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, but Lizarazo explains the move is about more than what he can offer on the pitch.
She states that Everton view James as one of their ‘key pieces’ to brand development outside of England, particularly in South America.
You see, the Colombian is among the 8th most followed sportspeople on the planet with 100 million across the various social media platforms and ‘in today’s world, that means money’. The kind of money Everton haven’t had access to before.
Of course, his performance on the pitch will ‘determine the future’, but as far Lizarazo is concerned, ‘James is back in the game’ at Goodison Park.
