West Ham United and Aston Villa are interested in signing James Rodriguez
By Varun Aithal
According to reports from Spanish outlet Fichajes, James Rodriguez is eager to return to European football. Multiple Premier League outfits and La Liga club, Atletico Madrid, want the Colombian playmaker for the 2022/23 season.
The report reads:
"West Ham and Aston Villa are said to be interested in the Colombian and could make a move for the midfielder if he decides to leave Al-Rayyan. (Via: Fichajes/ CaughtOffSide)"
Earlier this week, other outlets reported that the 30-year-old playmaker is so eager to return to European football that he is even willing to take a pay cut to make sure he can secure a move.
"Ex-Everton flop James Rodriguez is reportedly eyeing a return to Europe and will slash his wage demands to force through a move. (Via: Daily Star)"
The background
Al Rayyan signed James Rodriguez for a fee of €8 million in the summer transfer window of 2022. In 14 games, James Rodriguez could only accumulate five goals and seven assists.
The time in the Middle East has not panned out how the player had liked. They dropped him from the squad on multiple occasions.
Aston Villa and West Ham United eye James Rodriguez. But why?
What’s happening at Villa Park?
Aston Villa are looking to sign a creative playmaker in the upcoming summer window. At present, Steven Gerrard has Philippe Coutinho at his disposal, but the Villians have a ticking time bomb. They signed Philippe Coutinho on loan with an option to buy for £33 million.
The club’s hierarchy will weigh the pros and cons of signing the Brazilian international because of his hefty wages (£480,000 per week). James Rodriguez appears as a cheaper alternative at the moment for Aston Villa.
Why David Moyes needs James at London Stadium?
Out of the 41 assists in the Premier League this season, Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio, and Said Benrahma have 21 assists between them for WHU. The former Manchester United manager needs an additional playmaker who can break the lines from the middle of the park.
Though they have a chance to lure Jesse Lingard, the emergence of competition to sign the out-of-contract United player might deter them. James Rodriguez’s lower transfer fee and his ability to perform on the big stage can be the cherry on top of the cake for West Ham.
For Everton, despite the glimpses at the start of the 2020/21 season, James Rodriguez could not deliver consistently. The player had six goals and four assists from 23 games for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
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His form tapered down as the 2020/21 season progressed and was dropped from the starting XI. It remains interesting to see if he can forget the past and deliver his best again in Europe.