James Rodríguez is one of the new stars of Qatari football, but has yet to debut with Al Rayyan due to a slight calf problem, as Laurent Blanc described it in a press conference the previous week. The Colombian is working on his set-up to make his debut with his new team and the French coach does not want to risk it, since he is aware that he is just starting the season.
“It's a strong league, everyone is in good shape from what I've seen so far. What I want to emphasize is that I will do my best because I want to win as many titles as possible with Al Rayyan and his fans. I hope things go well and we can achieve everything, “said James in a recent interview for the official Qatar Stars League portal. Despite considering it a strong and competitive football, the arrival of the '10' in this country has already had an impact on its market value.
Matches your biggest loss in market value
Transfermarkt, a portal specialized in transfers, updated the price of the creative steering wheel after his arrival at Al Rayyan from Everton, where it was not part of Rafa Benítez's plans. Now the Colombian is valued at 20 million euros, 8 less than what it received in the June report of this year, which means a reduction of 28.6% from its previous value.
James' figure had already had a similar reduction during his career. It was between the reports of July 2016 and January 2017, already with less prominence in Real Madrid of Zinedine Zidane, after a great start at the White House under the orders of Carlo Ancelotti after being a scorer in Brazil 2014. At that time, it went from costing € 70 M to € 50 M (28.6% drop).
One place falls in the ranking of Colombians
Before his transfer to Qatar football was finalized, James appeared as the fourth most valuable Colombian in the world, but with the new report of this portal he fell one place, being displaced by the 25 € M in which Luis Díaz is valued, who continues to rise thanks to his goals and outstanding performances with Porto and the Colombian National Team.
1. Duván Zapata (Atalanta): € 33 M
2. Davinson Sánchez (Tottenham): € 32 M
3. Luis Muriel (Atalanta): € 30 M
4. Luis Diaz (Porto): € 25 M
5. James Rodríguez (Al Rayyan): € 20 million
6. Yerry Mina (Everton): € 20m
7. Wilmar Barrios (Zenit): € 18 million
8. Jhon Córdoba (Krasnodar): € 17 M
9. Rafael Borré (Eintracht Frankfurt): € 17 million
10. Juan Cuadrado (Juventus): € 16 M
Remains the most valuable in Qatar
Despite the reduction in its market value, James continues as the most expensive player in the Qatar Stars League, followed by Belgian Toby Alderweireld with € 10 million. In the top 5 there are two more companions of the Colombian in Al Rayyan. They are Yacine Brahimi and Steven Nzonzi, each valued at € 8 million.