The 25 year old Colombian’s future at Santiago Bernabeu is reportedly hanging by a thread as manager Zinedine Zidane has decided to show more faith in Marco Asensio, Lucas Vazquez and Isco.
Spanish publication Marca have reported that James Rodriguez is on his way out. Rodriguez arrived at Real from AS Monaco in 2014 after they had shelled out 63 million pounds. After he won the golden boot award at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, much was expected of him. He showed flashes of his talent in his first season, netting 17 times in 46 appearances. The second season saw him fall out of favour first with Rafael Benitez and then subsequently with Zidane as he eventually lost his starting place with the likes of Asensio, Vazquez and Isco.
Meanwhile, reports from Marca.com also suggest that Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United are locked in a three way battle for the signing of Rodriguez. Real Madrid seemingly want 75 million euros for his signature as they hope to recover the enormous amount they spent on him a couple of years back.
The Colombian himself wants to remain at the club, but with Real’s star-studded starting line-up as well as a host of talented youngsters, it will be hard for him to break into the first team especially with him having fallen out of favour.
Rodriguez is a versatile player who can operate as an attacking midfielder or a winger and his style of play will certainly help any club in the Premier League. Apparently, Madrid want to secure a deal keeping in mind the money left to recover, but clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United are more than capable of shelling out that amount for his services.
Chelsea themselves are growing frustrated in the chase for Romelu Lukaku, and James Rodriguez’s addition would be a welcome boost to their attacking line up. Manchester United and PSG too are looking to bolster their front line and Rodriguez’s addition would be of much help.
Now it remains to be seen whether a bid is made at all, but with Real apparently not needing him and with other Premier League clubs in need of a quality playmaker, this could turn out to be an interesting transfer saga.
