Copa America: Colombia’s James Rodriguez after beating Panama (AP)
James Rodriguez has previously competed in La Liga as a key player for Real Madrid.
Colombian midfield star James Rodriguez has been touted with a return to La Liga this season. The ex-Real Madrid playmaker has reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Rayo Vallecano.
The 33-year-old recently became a free agent, having rescinded his contract with Brazilian side Sau Paulo FC earlier this summer. He is now on the verge of signing a new deal with the Los Franjirrojos for one year.
Italian journalist and famed transfer expert Fabrizio Romano shared the update of James’ potential arrival to Spain on X. Giving his signature approval in the post, he wrote, “James Rodríguez has reached verbal agreement with Rayo Vallecano!…Here we go.”
⚪️ James Rodríguez has reached verbal agreement with Rayo Vallecano!One year contract plus option for further season, he wanted to return to La Liga.
Formal steps, documents review and medical next week before signing.
Here we go ⚡️ @PSierraR pic.twitter.com/NlxdvbZevN
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 25, 2024
Fabrizio Romano also explained the details of the contract being discussed between James Rodriguez and Rayo Vallecano. The offered one-year deal also allows James to extend for another season, should he choose to do so. Further, Romano’s post also specified that the ‘formal steps, documents review and medical’ will take place next week before the signing is completed.
Rayo Vallecano have been eyeing to sign James Rodriguez for a while now. Fabrizio Romano confirmed their interest on August 25 in another X post. He wrote, “James Rodriguez, on the verge of joining Rayo Vallecano as an official bid has been sent today. Contract until June 2025 plus option for one more season. Almost there.”
James Rodriguez, on the verge of joining Rayo Vallecano as official bid has been sent today.Contract until June 2025 plus option for one more season.
Almost there. @PSierraR pic.twitter.com/KkKwkXX0jB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 24, 2024
James Rodriguez has been out of contract ever since the end of Copa America 2024. The Colombian star was in peak form during the CONMEBOL tournament. He made it to the final but couldn’t get past a Lionel Messi-led Argentina side who successfully defended their crown as champions. James did secure an individual trophy, winning the Player of the Tournament while also notching four Player of the Match awards. Following his phenomenal run, the attacking midfielder decided to terminate his contract with Sau Paulo FC for a potential return to Europe.
James Rodriguez has previously competed in La Liga as a key player for Real Madrid. The Colombian phenom put up a show during the 2014 FIFA World Cup to spark club president Florentino Perez’s interest. He signed a six-year deal with the Los Blancos right after the FIFA tournament that bound him to the Spanish capital until the summer of 2020.
During his time with Real Madrid, James won the league twice in 2017 and 2020. He also bagged two UEFA Champions League titles in 2016 and 2017. James also spent a couple of loan seasons at Bayern Munich on loan in that period.
Given that La Liga is known territory to James Rodriguez, the Colombian will be looking to deliver in what could potentially be his last dance in Spain.
