Marcel Brands has confirmed Everton spent just over £60m during the summer transfer window but that they were able to land James Rodriguez on a free.
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.
There was some confusion surrounding the deal when it went through with no fee initially reported, and then word from Argentine side Banfield, a club with a stake in any profit from the sale, claimed the deal was a free transfer.