The 30-year-old originally signed for Everton on a free
transfer from Real Madrid in September 2020.
He followed Carlo Ancelotti to Goodison Park and enjoyed a
great start to life in England.
James notched three goals and three assists in his first
five Premier League games, but could not continue that form.
Calf and groin problems meant he ended the campaign on six
goals in 26 matches in all competitions.
James was told he was free to leave the Toffees in July when
Rafa Benitez was appointed as manager.
A number of exit routes were considered, including former
club Porto, but he has now settled on Al Rayyan.
Everton confirmed in a statement that James had left England
for an undisclosed fee.
The transfer will be a boost to their finances as he was
thought to be earning upwards of £140,000 a week on Merseyside.
The attacking midfielder will work under former Paris
Saint-Germain boss Laurent Blanc in Qatar.
He becomes one of Al Rayyan’s most notable players,
alongside Dutch legend Frank De Boer.
Benitez was asked about James’ future earlier on Wednesday
but went on to admit that he had ‘little information’ about a deal.
Everton were knocked out of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday by
Championship outfit Queens Park Rangers.
Reacting to the loss, Benitez said: “The most difficult
thing to improve, normally, is in attack because it depends on the quality of
players, but we are creating chances, so I am sure we will score goals.
“But in defense we have to be more aware of what is going on
around and be sure we defend as a team. Be strong in defence and that will give
you the possibility to win games.
“You have to take momentum from being a solid team.
“I think the way we played, the intensity of the game, the
attitude of the players to come back twice…so many things we did well, in terms
of what we are expecting from the team.
“It is a pity we didn’t take the chances in the final third
and in the other box we conceded goals maybe we could have avoided.
“In the penalty shootout, we did everything we have to –
scoring goals, young players, everyone – so, overall, I think it is a pity. We
deserved to win.”
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