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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Adam Jones

Everton's ambitious plans after James Rodriguez transfer goes beyond hunt for trophies

Everton are set to accelerate their plans for international growth following confirmation of James Rodriguez's signing.

The Colombia international has moved to Goodison Park from Real Madrid on a two-year deal, with the club having the option for a third.

And the arrival of the playmaker, who has nearly 100 million followers on social media, is set to fast-forward plans the Blues had in place to expand internationally.

The club's new signing is the 8th most followed sportsperson on the planet and Everton are ready to capitalise on that.

The club has already seen support grow in both the USA and South America thanks to former players, official memberships and the growth of supporters clubs.

Everton were set to travel to the US and South America for friendlies because of this before the impact of COVID-19 stopped those plans.

The signing of Rodriguez will kick international growth into gear, however.

Launch activity will see outdoor media and activations in Colombia and Miami, while there will also be enhanced distribution of merchandise through Fanatics.

The club now plans to open its first international office in the USA, with a final location of either Florida or Southern California still to be decided upon.

Dedicated social media accounts and web pages are also set to be launched in the coming days with bespoke content for a South american audience.

Everton's official website will have Spanish landing pages and both Spanish and Portuguese will become permanent additional languages in the coming weeks.

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