Real Madrid: Like it or not, James Rodriguez has to go

Real Madrid center attacking midfielder James Rodriguez is a talented playmaker and one of the most beloved players on the entire team, but it’s time for him to go.

This summer, Real Madrid will do everything they can to sign a world-class goal-scorer, even amidst an economic crisis in football and a great deal of uncertainty surrounding the upcoming transfer market.

However, in order to clear wage space and roster space for new players, Los Blancos must sell some of the veterans on their team. Lucas Vazquez, Mariano Diaz, and Gareth Bale are among the players who could be sent packing in order to make space for new faces.

Bale is near the top of the list, but because of his poor 2019-2020 form, injury risk, age, and high salary, Real might not be able to find a suitor.

But there’s another big-name attacking player who should have a rich market and who could realistically be sold for a good chunk of change this summer. That man is center attacking midfielder James Rodriguez.

It’s been rough watching James over the past two seasons, since he’s fallen on hard times. First, he was disrespected by Niko Kovac and Bayern Munich in his second season of a two-year loan deal after previously being one of the team’s most impressive players under Carlo Ancelotti.

James returned to Real Madrid with a chip on his shoulder to prove to Zinedine Zidane that he deserves regular playing time. At first, things couldn’t have gone better. The Colombian was a key part of the team, creating big chances with his vision and passing skills while also working hard defensively, especially in an away win over Sevilla.

However, injuries caught up to James, and when Isco returned to health and form, James’ spot on the bench is sealed.

James still has the quality to help Real Madrid, but Los Blancos may not be able to afford to wait on selling him. If they don’t sell him this summer, they risk losing him for free in 2021, so this is the time for Real to gain value from the 28-year-old midfielder.

One of the world’s most promising players when he first joined Los Blancos, James has carved a successful career for himself at the Santiago Bernabeu despite recent questions. It won’t be easy for the fans to say goodbye to such an exciting, likable player, but the hard-working James will need to make way for the next generation of attacking midfielders.

Martin Odegaard will return to Real Madrid soon, with 2021-2022 being the targeted season for his return. Takefusa Kubo and Reinier Jesus are teenagers with true world-class potential, and Oscar Rodriguez is coming off a brilliant season for Leganes. Then there’s Marco Asensio, who can, like Isco, play as an attacking midfielder or wide midfielder.

James Rodriguez, as talented as he is, has become surplus. According to Transfermarkt, the No. 10 is worth 32 million euros, and that’s money Real could repurpose for a more pressing need in their attack.