D-Day for James Rodriguez in terms of his Everton future - but will he leave?

Today appears to be D-day for James Rodriguez in regards to his Everton future.

Should the Colombian not complete an exit then he looks set to remain at Goodison Park until the January transfer window.

At a glance: 5 key points

- Rodriguez joined Everton on a free transfer from Real Madrid last summer.

- He recorded an impressive six goals and nine assists in 26 appearances during his maiden season in 2020-21.

- However, Rodriguez has been deemed surplus to requirements since Rafa Benitez took charge in June.

- He's not even featured on the bench for Everton so far this season.

- Rodriguez's situation on Merseyside has divided supporters' opinion.

What's been said

Rodriguez has been unsure about whether he will play for the Toffees this season.

Speaking on a live Twitch stream last month, the former Bayern Munich attacking midfielder said: “I don't know what's going to happen. I don't know – I don't know where I'm going to play.

“You know that in football and in life you don't know anything, but all I know is that I've been training hard, preparing well, training for myself and that's it.

“It's complicated. [I will play] wherever I'm wanted. Someone has to be at a place they're wanted.”

Why is it D-Day?

Rodriguez failed to depart Everton before the majority of European transfer windows shut on August 31.

The Blues had hoped to use him as a makeweight in a deal for Porto's Luis Diaz.

However, a switch to Turkey remains an option for Rodriguez.

The Super Lig is the only major league whose window remains open, although it closes later on Wednesday.

Who is interested?

Istanbul Basaksehir are reportedly keen on Rodriguez.

They were champions in the 2019-20 season - their maiden Super Lig title which earned them qualification into the Champions League.

However, Basaksehir finished a disappointing 12th last term and missed out on a place in Europe.

How likely is it to happen?

According to Pipe Sierra, who works for broadcaster Win Sports TV in Rodriguez's native Colombia, Everton have reached a verbal loan agreement with Basaksehir.

The Toffees would net a fee of €3.5 million but Rodriguez isn't keen on a move to Turkey.

He’s recently been spotted on holiday in Ibiza during the international break.

What will happen if he stays?

Benitez is unlikely to freeze Rodriguez out at Goodison completely given he's a popular member of the dressing room.

However, it remains to be seen how he might be used.

Benitez is believed to have doubts about whether the 30-year-old can fit into the intensity of the style of football he wants to play at Goodison.

The Spaniard holds reservations about whether Rodiguez is willing to put in the hard graft out of possession.

But Rodriguez is a mercurial talent who is a cut above at his best and could be an asset.

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