Bournemouth midfielder Jefferson Lerma has backed compatriot James Rodriguez to be a hit at Everton.
Rodriguez completed his move to Goodison Park earlier this week, sealing a transfer from Real Madrid, with mixed reports over the value of the deal.
The transfer is arguably the biggest of this window so far, with Rodriguez’s arrival causing plenty to stand up and take notice.
While the transfer has undoubtedly been welcomed from a marketing view from Everton, there have been those who have questioned it from a sporting perspective.
Indeed, yesterday we saw former Real Madrid manager Jorge Valdano questioning the Colombians decision to swap Madrid for Merseyside.
“Everton have made a great signing,”ever he told Blog Deportivo.
“James has come to do a great job to return to being that great player who has characterised himself.
“Unfortunately, some time ago, he had problems that did not allow him to perform his football, but I know he has enough qualities to return to be the one he was before.
“Everything is difficult in life. I believe that James has many conditions to succeed here.
“We know that he has reached a great team, and for my part, I wish him the best and many successes.”
While James is arriving in the Premier League, Lerma will find himself out of it this season after suffering relegation with Bournemouth last season.
That relegation has seen something of an exit from the South Coast club, with several big names having already secured moves elsewhere.
Lerma has also been linked with a departure, with clubs in both Italy and Turkey having linked with making a move this summer. However, Lerma has dismissed those rumours out of hand.
“Interestingly, those clubs are looking at you,” he added.
“Everything is in God’s hands, and he will put everything where it should be. There is nothing concrete in the rumours.
“The only thing that is clear to me is that I have a contract with Bournemouth, I continue to work with them, and I will surely start the season playing with the team.”
