Everton have confirmed that James Rodriguez has left the club to join Al Rayyan for an undisclosed fee.
The Qatari side made the announcement on social media on Wednesday afternoon before a statement from the Blues followed just minutes later.
The Colombian has fallen out of favour at Everton following the arrival of Rafa Benitez after the Spaniard replaced Carlo Ancelotti in the summer.
Benitez told the 30-year-old, earlier in the summer, that he was free to leave the Goodison Park club if a suitable offer was made for him.
Everton had hoped to use Rodriguez as a makeweight in a deal to bring Luis Diaz from Porto to Goodison but he could not reach an agreement with his former club.
Rodriguez only joined Everton last September but the shock departure of Ancelotti to Real Madrid in June immediately plunged his future into doubt and he leaves having failed to make an appearance in front of a crowd at Goodison.
“James Rodriguez has left Everton to sign for Qatari club Al Rayyan for an undisclosed fee,” a statement from Everton read.
“The 30-year-old Colombia international moves to the Middle East after 12 months at Goodison Park.
“Having joined from Real Madrid in September 2020, James made 26 appearances in all competitions for Everton last season, scoring six goals.”
