World was in awe during the 2014 World Cup when a 23-year-old Monaco midfielder unassumingly lit the stage with impressive performances in a Colombia shirt.
Few would expect that he would go on to grab the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer in Brazil but that’s exactly what James Rodriguez did – before getting a call from Real Madrid to become the latest Galactico and realize his ‘life’s dream’ of moving to Santiago Bernabeu.
The Spanish super side Real Madrid love to pick the cream of the crop and their £63 million investment in the Colombian attacking midfielder was perceived as a strong statement in world football. Having become the third-most expensive player in Real Madrid’s history, James Rodriguez put on a white shirt with a brimming smile on his face, ready to conquer the planet at a club he had nothing but ‘love, admiration and passion’ for.
Falling Out of Orbit
James Rodriguez brought his tricky technique, vision and playmaking ability to Santiago Bernabeu where he won La Liga and two Champions League titles. His dream did not last for long, however, as Rodriguez fell out of favour and lost his starting place under manager Zinedine Zidane.
The 2016/17 season proved to crucial for James Rodriguez. The Colombian endured a difficult time but still managed to score 11 goals and amass 13 assists. Despite his obvious influence, Rodriguez was scarcely used which ultimately led to him requesting a transfer.
He was given a clear choice – rot on the bench or leave for minutes. The latter was exactly the reason why he agreed to join Bayern Munich, knowing that his opportunities under the French legend at Real Madrid would be limited.
Bavarian Boheme
A loan move to Bundesliga allowed Rodriguez to rediscover fine form and put a smile back on face. He earned plaudits in Germany for his displays and immense influence in Bayern Munich. The Bavarians boast a star-studded side with an abundance of attacking options and potential, but it is James Rodriguez who provides that ‘X factor’ and that ‘WOW effect’ to Bayern’s play.
Whether he’s splicing with Thomas Muller and Franck Ribery or supplying assists to Robert Levandowski, the Colombian is using his unique game reading, vision and understanding of football to slot into best position possible and provide maximum contribution at a given moment.
At 27 years of age, James Rodriguez is at the peak of his powers and could great things at Bayern Munich. He doesn’t lack the competitive enticement either as Bayern Munich are a trophy-winning side – despite their troubling Champions League drought. Bayern Munich stand at a 7/1 price to lift the European trophy, while they are given mere 1/20 betting odds to reclaim their domestic dominance.
A kind of player who’s got the ability to lift Bayern Munich and lead them to glory, James Rodriguez is once again under the spotlight this week with latest reports coming from Germany claiming that an agreement has been reached between Bayern and the player over his permanent transfer.
“I was to win more trophies this season and be an important member of the team. I’m very happy here, I’m only thinking about Bayern. It’s a magnificent club and I can see myself staying here for longer.” James Rodriguez said earlier in the summer.
Bayern Munich are determined to exercise a buy-out option before the turn of the year. They will have no problems forking out €35 million for Rodriguez’s signature, which would take the cost of entire deal to around €42 million, but several questions still need to be answered.
Dealing with Dilemmas
James Rodriguez has passed on his feelings about Bayern Munich to his agent Jorge Mendes, who’s reportedly given all clear to negotiate a permanent transfer. Rodriguez, however, is keen to wait until the end of the season – and not until the end of the year – before signing anything.
Despite his dedication and commitment to Bayern Munich, James Rodriguez is said to still be thinking about his dream club, Real Madrid. Los Blancos new boss Julen Lopetegui called Rodriguez upon his appointment to inform the player there will always be room for his return, according to Spanish media.
Rodriguez appreciated such a surprising gesture from Lupetegui and that phone call only increased his willingness to return to Santiago Bernabeu. Another reason why Rodriguez would want to return is the climate and language – the two things Spain has always been his preference.
Ultimately, Rodriguez would want assurances over his place in Bayern Munich. Sport Bild claims the Bavarians could decide to cash in on Rodriguez and transfer him to another club for a profit on top of €42 million they need to pay for his signature.
The player is faced with a huge dilemma and no wonder he wants to postpone the decision for the summer.
Do you think he should return to Real Madrid or remain in Munich and agree to a permanent deal?
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