James Rodríguez’s future at Bayern Munich is seemingly nonexistent despite committing to a long-term partnership.
Reports are suggesting the Bavarian powerhouse are not taking up the option to make his loan deal from Real Madrid a permanent one next summer, after the 27-year-old Colombian playmaker temporarily signed for the five-time European champions ahead of the 2017/18 season.
He consequently reunited with his former Los Blancos manager Carlo Ancelotti, but that warm embrace didn’t last long as the Italian would soon be relieved of his duties following a tepid run of form.
James, though, would come alive in the months that followed – Bayern then-spearheaded by their treble-winning coach Jupp Heynckes – but this campaign looks set to be his second and final one as a Bayern footballer.
Despite recent turmoil under the stewardship of Niko Kovač, they find themselves seven points behind Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund after 11 matches played. The summer of 2019 is set to be a busy one. A number of established players could be saying goodbye. James, often turning up in the bigs games, could also need to find a new home.
Below are four contenders to become his next destination; a dream option, a realistic choice, a wildcard move and a club, Squawka feels, are best suited for him.
Dream: Real Madrid
There is no harm in having too many good players, however, it hasn’t always worked out well for Real Madrid and James can attest to the fact.
The Colombian played his best football with Madrid, bagging 36 goals and making 38 assists in 111 official appearances – finishing off what he started in Spain could be appealing to the midfielder.
Real, no matter their position in the Spanish league table, remain among the elite. For some, including James himself, they are the biggest show in town. If you make it there you’re likely to go down in history.
Having not electrified the Bernabéu, a fired-up James could be what Los Blancos need, he won’t cost them a penny and we know he’s capable of more and more importantly so does president Florentino Pérez.
In addition, Zinedine Zidane – the man partially behind James leaving – is no longer in charge at Real giving the Colombian a blank slate under Santiago Solari.
Realistic: Juventus
A champion in four different countries – Argentina, Portugal, Spain and Germany – why not add a fifth? Having played in three of Europe’s ‘big five’ leagues (the other being Ligue 1 where he enjoyed a brief stint at AS Monaco) there is a temptation to continue on his journeyman career.
Serie A represents one of the more technically demanding leagues and where playmakers are often kings. Before making Bayern his latest home Juventus were in for him and the interest is reportedly still there.
The defining characteristic of a super club, which Juve are, is never being happy. What’s certain now isn’t a guarantee tomorrow. If a new shiny toy becomes available then expect a reaction. James, if reports are true, hasn’t left their radar. So you can put two and two together.
Relocating to Turin will see him link up with his old Real buddy Cristiano Ronaldo; in a previous time both would share the pitch on no fewer than 86 occasions, subsequently combining for 18 goals – the most James has achieved with any player to date.
Wildcard: Liverpool
Whether it’s the best league in the world depends on interpretation, but there’s no denying the Premier League is the most-watched as well as the richest. As their individual clubs grow financially, courtesy of television, there are a number of clubs who can feasibly acquire James’ signature.
And given the state of competition – six teams vying for the championship and top four places – James may very well see England as the next stage of his journey. However, it comes down to who best suits him, and that could very well be Jurgen Klopp’s energetic Liverpool side.
The last two seasons have seen the Reds go from the outside looking in to becoming serious contenders. The loss of Philippe Coutinho earlier this year was a blow, but it didn’t quite derail them. Instead, through collective responsibility, they’ve come on leaps and bounds with frequent goals and fewer concessions.
James represents a game-changer and with plenty of pace and movement in front of him the Colombian would be in his element as Klopp toys with a new formation.
Squawka Suggests: Arsenal
A move to England should be his next step. As outlined, the competitiveness of the league – at least at the very top – shows no signs of abating. And much like Serie A, the Premier League is fast-becoming a league where playmakers are treasured.
Kevin De Bruyne and Christian Eriksen lead the way but so many are catching up. James, in full flow, belongs in the same bracket as those two mentioned. On the basis of their midfield options Liverpool seems hard to penetrate. However, the same can’t be said for Arsenal.
The looming loss of Aaron Ramsey, who interestingly enough is a reported Bayern target, means there’s a place available with his name written on it. Unai Emery, a proactive coach with an eye for detail, is the kind of manager to get the best out of him.
He’s slowly transforming the Gunners, and James – who can dovetail with the mercurial Mesut Ozil – will not have to change his game.
The post Dream, realistic, wildcard, Squawka suggests options if Bayern Munich snub James Rodriguez appeared first on Squawka News.
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