Everton supporters spent the first half of last season dreaming of being back inside Goodison Park and watching James Rodriguez in action.
Arriving from Real Madrid on a free transfer, many questioned the motives behind the move and just what the Colombian could bring to his new side.
But after the Blues’ opening six games of their Premier League season, Rodriguez had not only impressed, but silenced those who doubted and criticised him.
A string of impressive displays from the playmaker helped Everton get off to the type of start that fans could have only dreamt of ahead of the new campaign.
Rodriguez scored three times and claimed three assists as his side collected 13 points from a possible 18 on offer.
And although the Blues claimed four straight wins in the month of December without Rodriguez in their side, their attacking play left a lot to be desired.
The second half of the campaign was one to forget for all associated with the club. Poor performances, poor results and numerous injury problems lead to a disappointing 10th place finish.
From March onwards, Rodriguez only featured on five occasions for his side, registering one goal against Crystal Palace, but the former Real Madrid man certainly showed his class in those games.
He also showed the type of composure to finish past Wayne Hennessey against Palace that has long eluded the Blues in front of goal.
Which brings us to the latest from Everton surrounding the future of the 30-year-old.
The ECHO understands that Rodriguez, as most expected, has been informed he can leave the club if a suitable offer is made.
The shock departure of Carlo Ancelotti immediately plunged his Goodison future into doubt, but an exit was not certain at that time.
But following the appointment of Rafa Benitez, it appears the Spaniard has helped make the Colombian’s decision for him.
The two are believed to have a strained relationship that stems from Benitez’s time in charge of Rodriguez at Real.
There doesn't seem to be an imminent exit on the cards for the former Porto man, who flew out to Florida with the rest of the Everton squad on Tuesday morning.
But it appears his time at the club is set to come to an end this summer, without him having ever felt the full appreciation and love of a packed Goodison.
Everton’s summer transfer window approach has often brought more questions than answers, with millions wasted in the process.
But last summer’s approach felt different. For the first time in a long time, Everton invested wisely with each signing improving them.
Even the arrival of Robin Olsen appeared to push Jordan Pickford to a level Blues fans hadn’t seen before in the second half of the campaign.
But allowing Rodriguez to depart this summer without a replacement lined up feels like another Romelu Lukaku repeat.
Allowing players to leave is all well and good, but only if ready made replacements are waiting in the wings to come in.
That doesn't seem to be the case here with Rodriguez, who it appears the club are just prepared to go without next season.
For a club that has long craved the need to have world class talent in their ranks, especially under Farhad Moshiri, this latest move seems rather strange.
Players of the calibre of Rodriguez don’t come along very often, and Everton should know that better than most.
Losing him without a fight would once again raise more questions about which direction the club is heading in.
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