According to a recent report by El Desmarque (translated by the Metro), Real Madrid are prepared to offer James Rodriguez as part of the deal to bring Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba to the Spanish capital. The same source has claimed that the Galacticos president Florentino Perez is willing to offload the Colombia international as a makeweight to try and convince the Red Devils to sanction the departure of Pogba.
Rodriguez’s Struggles In The Spanish Top-Flight
The 28-year-old has struggled to put in a consistent run of performances for Los Blancos this season. He has only put in a couple of impressive displays wearing the famous whites of Madrid this term. Rodriguez has featured in nine matches for Zinedine Zidane’s team so far, scoring one goal while creating one assist on all fronts.
The Cucuta-born talent has failed to establish himself as a regular starter under Zidane’s tutelage, so it is no wonder that Madrid are trying to move him on in January or next summer. Since arriving from AS Monaco in the summer of 2014, Rodriguez has made a total of 120 appearances for the Galacticos, netting 37 goals while grabbing 41 assists in all competitions.
The La Liga playmaker has also secured 76 international caps for the Colombian national side while scoring 22 goals for his country in the process.
What Should Be Solskjaer’s Play Here?
Rodriguez has lost a yard of pace from his game over the past few years. He is also quite injury-prone and looks like a shadow of his former self. However, there is no denying that he is still quite talented and can be a match-winner on his day.
Acquiring a player of Rodriguez’s skillset will undeniably add a lot of creativity and dynamism to the Man United midfield that has lacked quality in the absence of Pogba this season. Maybe, Solskjaer should consider Madrid’s offer as it seems like the French midfielder has his heart set on a move away from Old Trafford.
The likes of Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard and Fred, have struggled to provide the creative spark in the opposition half which explains why the Red Devils have struggled to get the right result in so many matches during this campaign. Therefore, Solskjaer should try everything in his power to retain Pogba beyond this season. However, if the Norwegian head coach fails to convince the player to stay, then it makes sense for United to cash in on Pogba and also get a player capable of filling the Frenchman’s shoes in return.
