In a surprising press release from Banfield Football Club, the Argentine club revealed that James Rodriguez came to Everton for free.
James Rodriguez’s transfer to Everton was easily one of the most exciting news of the current transfer window, but the folks at Benfield aren’t happy. The media fell into a false narrative that suggested the ‘Toffees’ paid €30 million with add-ons for the player. Real Madrid only issued a statement in which they announced James was leaving but they never discussed a price.
In case you didn’t know, James came from the Banfield academy in Argentina. As it happens with any club, they usually get a formation rights clause money for every time one of their products is sold to a new club. Naturally, Banfield was eager to get that money but they were surprised to know they won’t get anything.
James came to Everton as a free agent.
“Unfortunately, Banfield doesn’t get any money for James Rodriguez’s transfer from Real Madrid to Everton,” said the Treasury Chief at Banfield, Ignacio Uzquiza on the club’s website.
“The deal was cost-free as if he was a free agent. We already went through the proper channels in order to corroborate this with both clubs and the concerned parties.
“In every case, we were confirmed that the club wasn’t getting any money due to a solidarity mechanism in place.
“After we found out about the news of James’ transfer from Real Madrid to Everton, Club Atletico Banfield made the proper consultations in line with the current FIFA rulings. That’s how we knew that the club wasn’t getting any compensation for the player.
“Despite the different reports from the media that confirmed the transfer had an established price. Banfield realized that the information wasn’t accurate and the club wasn’t getting anything for the player’s formation rights.”
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