According to a recent report by Le10Sport, Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid are eyeing a move for Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez this summer. The same source has also mentioned that the Colombian’s agent Jorge Mendes has been in talks with PSG sporting director Leonardo Araújo over a potential departure for his client from Los Blancos during the summer transfer window.
Rodriguez’s Unimpressive Season At Madrid
Rodriguez has endured a frustrating season at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium after sustaining frequent injuries which have disrupted his form in Spanish football. He has participated in 14 matches for Los Blancos this term, registering one goal and two assists on all fronts which shed light on his recent shortcomings at the Spanish capital.
However, the 29-year-old has done well to average 1.1 shots, 1.8 key passes, 0.8 crosses and 2.5 long balls per 90 minutes in La Liga this season (stats via whoscored). The Colombian has displayed a few glimpses of his brilliance but has often been guilty of being inconsistent with his performances in midfield.
The Cucuta-born technician has earned a lot of experience at the international stage after representing the Colombian national side in 76 senior matches while scoring 22 goals for his country thus far. Maybe a summer switch to another top club could help Rodriguez make a new start away from the Bernabeu which could enhance his chances of keeping his place in Carlos Queiroz’s squad in the coming years.
What Will The Colombian International Bring To The Table?
Rodriguez is a technically-gifted footballer who enjoys the freedom of playing in the number ten role or as a wide player out on the flanks. When the South American playmaker is firing on all cylinders, he can be a joy to watch as he can orchestrate some decent goal-scoring chances using his dribbling ability, trickery and incisiveness in the final third. He has a good football IQ and can find space in and around the opposition penalty box which allows him to contribute by netting a few goals from long range.
Why Los Blancos Should Cash In On Rodriguez
At 29, the Madrid outcast still has a few good years left in him to perform at a high level. However, his time with Los Blancos seems to have run its course as he doesn’t fit into Zinedine Zidane’s long-term plans at the Bernabeu.
On his best day, Rodriguez can be a useful utility player for Real Madrid. However, when the Colombian is not playing with confidence on the field, he can be a frustrating figure as evident from his failure to deliver against high calibre oppositions during this campaign. Therefore, Zidane should consider cashing in on Rodriguez when the transfer window reopens later this year.
The Madrid giants can look to reinvest the money generated from the Colombian’s departure to strengthen other areas of their squad this summer. Plus, Rodriguez’s exit will also free up space for someone like Reinier Jesus Carvalho, who has the potential to become a success story at the Bernabeu in the coming seasons.
