How Everton ‘landed James Rodriguez on FREE transfer’ despite having one year left on Real Madrid contract

EVERTON reportedly landed Colombian star James Rodriguez on a FREE transfer despite him having a year left on his Real Madrid contract.

The Toffees announced the playmaker had signed a two-year-deal on Tuesday.

Rodriguez is now reunited with Carlo Ancelotti yet again after the Italian signed him for both Real and Bayern Munich.

And Everton were believed to have paid around £22million for the 29-year-old.

But no cash actually changed hands, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.

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Everton's eagerness to bring Rodriguez in was reportedly matched by Real's desire to let him go.

And as a result, Los Blancos only requested a sell-on percentage in return.

Rodriguez becomes Everton’s third senior signing of the summer after Brazilian midfielder Allan joined from Napoli for £25m.

Abdoulaye Doucoure also arrived from from Watford for £20m.

And it means Everton are looking at a brand new three-man midfield for the new season.

Despite playing just 14 times last term, Rodriguez remains one of the biggest names in football.

He has a plethora of trophies to his name, including two LaLiga titles, two Bundesliga titles and two Champions League.

Rodriguez admits he’s delighted to be on Merseyside and can’t wait to link up with his new teammates.

He said: "I am really, really happy to be at this great club, a club with so much history, and here with a manager who knows me really well.

"I'm looking forward to achieving great things here – and winning things, which is what everyone's aim is.

"I've come here to try to improve, to get better. I've also come here to help the team to win, to play good football – entertaining football."

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