James Rodriguez to Manchester United reportedly a done deal, announcement coming next week.
By Alex McVey
James Rodriguez has apparently reached a deal to join Manchester United this summer. Real Madrid will announce the deal following their last league game of the season against Malaga. Here’s Alex McVey on the latest James transfer rumors.
James Rodriguez said an emotional goodbye to the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday, as he was subbed off in the 60th minute against Sevilla. James’ reaction as he was leaving the pitch confirmed in the minds of many Madrid fans what had been suspected for a long time: the Colombian would no longer be a Real Madrid player come next season.
The news coming out of Madrid following the match suggests that this is indeed the case.
When you’re James Rodriguez, and you notice you’re spending a lot of time on the bench next to Fabio Coentrao, it’s probably time to move on.
Madrid newspaper AS, citing a story from Colombian Radio station Radio Caracol, suggests that Manchester United have reached a deal with both club and player, and that Real Madrid will announce the sale following their final league game of the season at Malaga.
It’s no surprise that James is seeking to ply his trade elsewhere. While James has an impressive goalscoring and assist record, he has been relegated to a squad role in Zidane’s roster. When you’re James Rodrigeuz, and you notice that you’re on the bench spending a lot of time next to Fabio Coentrao, it’s probably time to move on.
Indeed, James has the quality to succeed at any club he would want. He’s even earned the praise of the coach from the other side of Manchester; Pep Guardiola recently gave his stamp of approval, saying that James was a good enough player to succeed at Manchester United.
According to Lucas Navarrete at Managing Madrid, Real Madrid are asking 75 Million euros for the signature of the Colombian striker. Manchester United certainly have the funds to make this happen. However, Express is reporting that a final price has not been agreed upon yet, for two reasons.
First, United is apparently trying to use David de Gea as leverage in the James deal. De Gea and Madrid have been making flirty eyes at one another on the transfer market for years. With Keylor Navas showing some serious signs of inconsistency this year, Madrid will probably be on the lookout to replace him this summer.
Second, United wants to get Chelsea involved in the bidding process in an attempt to drive the price down. The Daily Mail is reporting that Madrid might also be interested in getting Chelsea involved, if it could help them land the signature of Eden Hazard.
I suspect, however, that the Manchester United deal will ultimately go through. With Wayne Rooney getting up there in years, and Juan Mata having an uncertain relationship with Jose Mourinho, Manchester United are in need of a strong signing at the No. 10 position.
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Regardless of where he ends up at, James will leave behind good memories at Real Madrid. He has scored some really impressive goals, and has managed to make his mark at crucial moments, even when coming on as a substitute.
It’s certainly disappointing that James hasn’t been able to lock down a secure place in the starting XI at Madrid. He is a world-class player, and when he’s on his game, he’s one of the most fun players in the world to watch.
Unfortunately, such is life at a club the likes of Real Madrid. Moving James on will allow Zidane to give more time to Isco and Asensio, two players who seem like they will form the backbone of Real Madrid’s attacking roster for years to come.