Real Madrid: James Rodriguez wanted by ambitious Premier League club

Real Madrid center attacking midfielder James Rodriguez was effective when healthy last season, but the playmaker could leave in the summer of 2020.

Before the pandemic, it looked almost certain that Real Madrid would transfer James Rodriguez in the summer 2020 transfer window. While he played well at the beginning of the season when he was healthy, James fell out of favor with Zinedine Zidane again after injuries. He’s behind Isco in the pecking order, Marco Asensio is returning, and Real must keep Martin Odegaard in mind, too.

James has been linked with several Premier League clubs already. Arsenal seem to have interest, Wolves could be a sleeper, and Carlo Ancelotti may be keen on reuniting with the Colombian playmaker at Everton.

However, Caracol reports that there is a new team interested in the 2014 World Cup hero, as Newcastle, with Mohamed Bin Salman’s money, have their eyes on James.

James’ contract runs out after the 2020-2021 season, so if Real Madrid are to get fair value for the player, they will need to sell him before the season starts. Otherwise, he could join a Premier League side on a free transfer or even head to Inter Miami. Rivals Atletico Madrid have also been linked to the player.

Newcastle need to sign big names this summer in order to get some more momentum, and you had better believe that “MBS”, who is using his purchase of the club as a form of “sports washing”, would love to sign popular stars. He’ll have his pocketbooks open even during the crisis, as Newcastle will be one of the few clubs where money will be no object.

Although Real won’t sell James for nothing and could still find value in a player who led the team in key passes per 90 minutes in La Liga last season, they will have to sell him at a discount price, especially with just one year left on his deal.

Newcastle are a realistic landing spot to keep in mind for the 28-year-old.