New Delhi: James Rodriguez has reportedly ended his spell at Sao Paulo and is now looking to return to European football leagues. His brilliant performance with Colombia at the Copa America has improved his case. He led his national side to a Copa America final, losing to Lionel Messi’s Argentina, ending Colombia’s 28-game unbeaten streak.
During the tournament, the 32-year-old produced six assists, which earned him the Golden Ball. This performance came after a troubled spell at his club. For Sao Paulo last season, Rodriguez only played 36 minutes of the game after moving from Olympiacos in the 2022-23 season. With the form he is in, he clearly has a lot left to offer and is reportedly wanting to end his career in Europe.
🚨🇨🇴 James Rodriguez, set to be available as free agent terminating his contract by mutual agreement with São Paulo.
He’s set to part ways with the club after excellent Copa América.
James would love to return to European football. pic.twitter.com/zVKOlMUVNf
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 21, 2024
A logical move to Aston Villa
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery would like to sign a midfielder with Champions League experience as the club makes its first appearance in the competition. Rodriguez has won the tournament twice and has a good record as a playmaker. Rodriguez can be the player the Villans have been looking for some time. Moussa Diaby was a perfect candidate for playing both in the deep line and the no.10 role. However, Diaby’s move never worked for the club.
Though he may not be the Frenchman’s exact replacement, Rodriguez can play a versatile role on the pitch. He can be paired well with the incoming Amadou Onana or play along with his fellow Colombian forward, Jhon Duran. Playing for the Champions League also means that the Villans can pay Rodriguez his salary which would fit the club’s budget. The club was also linked to Rodriguez when he was at Al-Rayyan during the 2021-22 season.
‘Last Dance’ at Everton
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MAY 28: Sean Dyche, Manager of Everton, gives the team instructions during the Premier League match between Everton FC and AFC Bournemouth at Goodison Park on May 28, 2023 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
In his brief appearance for the club, Rodriguez made a special connection with the team and its fans. In his 26 appearances for the club, he scored six times and made eight assists. It is a well-known fact that Everton has been looking at strengthening its midfield, with Onana leaving the Toffees for Aston Villa. It has been reported that they are interested in signing Kalvin Philips, whose recent performances have been far from decent.
In such a condition, it would be more practical to look at someone like Rodriguez. Though the Colombian captain hasn’t shined at the club level, his recent performance at the Copa may give him an edge over other players. One of the reasons rumours had been adrift in the first place was Rodriguez’s reply to a fan with, “Last dance?” when asked about his plans to return to the club.
A dream return to Real Madrid
HELSINKI, FINLAND – AUGUST 10: Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Real Madrid, celebrates after the final whistle of the UEFA Super Cup Final 2022 between Real Madrid CF and Eintracht Frankfurt at Helsinki Olympic Stadium on August 10, 2022 in Helsinki, Finland. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images )
Ever since his rumours of coming back to Europe reached the fans, everyone has been talking about Rodriguez returning to his former club. Real Madrid signed the attacking midfielder for £63 million a decade ago. He impressed everyone with his performance at the 2014 World Cup and his previous displays for Monaco that season.
With Los Blancos, he won two Champions Leagues and two La Liga. His time with the team was marked by less game time during the 2017 season, and it ended with him requesting a transfer loan to Bayern Munich. The move could be a turning point in the career of Rodriguez. It is true, though, that Madrid may have outgrown him with Jude Bellingham leading the midfield area of the field. However, he is Carlo Ancelotti’s favourite, having been brought to Madrid in the first place under the 65-year-old manager. His brief stint at Bayern again saw him reunite with Ancelotti. So he could be seen as adding value to Madrid’s squad.
First appearance in Italy with Como 1907
COMO, ITALY – MAY 10: Cesc Fabregas Assistant Coach of Como 1907 poses for photos as he celebrates promotion to Serie A following the Serie BKT match between Como 1907 and Cosenza Calcio at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia on May 10, 2024 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
Raphael Varane, who left Manchester United after last season, is set to join Como 1907. Varane was Rodriguez’s teammate at Real Madrid and was part of the side that won the Champions League and La Liga. Cesc Fabregas has shown an inclination to bring the two former teammates and strengthen their backline.
Having never played in Italy, the former Monaco midfielder has experience playing in Europe quite extensively for clubs from Spain, England and even France. It will be interesting to see if the Italian club goes for the Colombian veteran and how they fit him in their side.
Having left Sao Paulo, Rodriguez is reported looking to make a return to the European leagues. Here are some clubs where the Colombian could end up in. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
