James Rodriguez set to leave Real Madrid for Manchester United

James Rodriguez will probably be leaving Real Madrid this summer, and Manchester United is looking like his most likely destination. Here’s Alex McVey with the latest transfer updates on James.

James Rodriguez put in an excellent display against Granada, bagging a brace and commanding Los Blancos’ attack over the course of the 90 minutes. However, for the most part he is a bit player in Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid squad. Rodriguez only has 1414 minutes to his name this season across all competitions, according to WhoScored. 

Due to his lack of minutes and a crowded roster filled with promising attacking midfielders, the Colombian international will probably look to ply his trade elsewhere next year.

The most likely location for the want-away star? All signs point to Manchester United as the most probable landing spot for Rodriguez.

A number of factors align to suggest that James will be on his way to join Jose Mourinho’s club this summer.

First, according to reports, the player himself wants to leave Real Madrid in the summer, and United is his top destination. Spanish newspaper Don Balon reports that Rodriguez has decided this will be his last season at Madrid, and that Manchester United is the club for him.

Second, both Rodriguez and Mourinho are represented by super-agent Jorge Mendes. Apparently, Mourinho has told his agent to set up negotiations between the Red Devils and James.

Third, it’s widely known that Madrid are in the market for an upgrade in the goalkeeper position, and Manchester United’s David de Gea looks like the most likely option. There’s some speculation that Rodriguez could be included in the negotiations over getting the Spanish keeper to the Madrid capital.

Fourth, it makes the most sense for the rosters of both teams. Madrid have too many attacking midfielders, and United have too few.

For United, Rodriguez would be able to fill out the No. 10 shirt left behind by Wayne Rooney, both figuratively and literally. The other option to be the No. 10 at United is Juan Mata, but despite Mata’s insistence to the contrary, there is a long history of animosity and ambivalence between Mata and Mourinho.

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Rodriguez would be able to start with a clean slate at the attacking midfielder position, and provides Mourinho with a more nimble option than the imposing presences already in his midfield like Pogba and Fellaini.

For Madrid, offloading Rodriguez would allow the likes of Isco and Asensio the chance to step into the spotlight. Madrid already has far too many attacking midfielders, so this would create a bit more space in the crowded roster. Additionally, the 60 million euros Real Madrid is asking would give Madrid a bit of extra spending power in the transfer market.

If he doesn’t get snapped up by United, Rodriguez will still most likely be going to the English Premier League. The other clubs on the lookout for his signature include Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal.