Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal are reportedly all interested in signing 27-year-old Colombian playmaker James Rodriguez this summer
According to a report by Daily Mirror, James Rodriguez’s next destination could be the Premier League. Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal have all set their sights on the Real Madrid playmaker, who is unlikely to see his move to Bayern Munich being made a permanent one and does not have a future in the Spanish capital either.
James Rodriguez has endured a peculiar time as a senior footballer. Heralded as the next big thing following his exploits at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the Colombian earned a dream move to Real Madrid. But, after a strong start to life with Los Blancos, the dream soon turned to a nightmare once Zinedine Zidane took charge.
The 27-year-old struggled for minutes in Zidane’s first full season as the Real Madrid boss and was subsequently shipped out on loan to Bayern Munich. At Allianz Arena, James enjoyed a fruitful two-year spell, although he was hampered by injury problems for large parts of the current term.
But, while he was an important member of the Bayern Munich first-team setup, Die Roten are not expected to complete his transfer on a permanent basis. The player’s future thus, appears to be uncertain, with Real Madrid likely to want to offload him, although Daily Mirror suggest that Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal are all interested in him.
At Liverpool, James could be the final piece of the puzzle between midfield and attack, someone who could add some creativity from the middle of the park. The Colombian’s role could be similar to the one that was essayed by Philippe Coutinho and one that was desired from Nabil Fekir.
Manchester United, on the other hand, need someone to share the creative burden with Paul Pogba while also being tenacious in the middle of the park. During his time at Bayern Munich, James showed that he can reprise this role quite well, adding more layers to his game. He could thus, be just the replacement that Manchester United are seeking for Ander Herrera.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have been associated with an interest in the 27-year-old for quite some time, having also attempted to sign him in an audacious loan deal in January. But now, with Aaron Ramsey joining Juventus, James, with his qualities could be the ideal like-for-like replacement.
With just two years left on his deal with Real Madrid, the Colombian playmaker is unlikely to cost a bomb; it is worth noting that Bayern Munich’s purchase option was worth just £37 million, which makes him even more desirable for Arsenal, in particular. But, the Gunners, along with Liverpool and Manchester United face stiff competition from Juventus and PSG.
James Rodriguez may not have a future at Real Madrid. But, with Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, Juventus and PSG all interested in him, his future could still be at a top club. It now remains to be seen where the 27-year-old heads off to this summer, and if the transfer fee is anywhere near the £37 million option Bayern Munich possessed.
