Everton chief Marcel Brands has again stated they signed James Rodriguez from Real Madrid on a free transfer.

The 29-year-old attacking midfielder completed his move from Real Madrid to Goodison Park in September, signing a two-year contract with the option for a further season.

And as reported by the Liverpool Echo, Brands said at their Annual General Meeting: "It was one of the most difficult and weirdest transfer windows ever. The pandemic was clearly involved in this transfer window.

"We finished the window with a squad of 27 players - a little bit more than originally planned.

"We signed six new players. Three on a permanent transfer – Allan, Doucoure and Ben Godfrey. One on a free – James Rodriguez. One on a training compensation – Nkounkou. And one loan without a loan fee – Robin Olsen."