Real Madrid playmaker James Rodriguez looks set to snub advances from the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United for a move to Bayern Munich this summer. The Colombia international will join the Bavarian giants on an initial loan with an obligation to buy at the end of the 2017/18 season.
Rodriguez had been used sparingly over the course of the previous campaign with the likes of Gareth Bale and Isco getting the nod over him for the right-wing role. The 25-year-old managed an overall tally of 22 league outings last term, but only 13 of them were from the off.
According to Calciomercato, the South American footballer is on the cusp of the German champions, who are looking to progress further in the Champions League next term. Carlo Ancelotti’s side were blown away by Real Madrid in the quarter-final stage by a 6-3 aggregate scoreline, although many would suggest that the game had its flaws on the refereeing side of things.
Ancelotti was Los Blancos’ head coach when Rodriguez arrived from AS Monaco back in the summer of 2014, and a reunion at the Allianz Arena would favour the attacker, who is desperate for regular first-team ahead of the final round of World Cup qualifiers, which remain crucial to Colombia’s World Cup hopes.
Meanwhile, the deal is likely to benefit Juventus, as well as they have reached an agreement to sign Douglas Costa from the Bundesliga holders (Calciomercato). The Brazil international often complained over his limited game time last term, and he will be allowed to pursue a temporary switch to Turin with the option to buy.
Rodriguez is said to have knocked back advances from Chelsea and Manchester United for a proposed switch to Germany, and he could potentially replace one of Arjen Robben or Franck Ribery in the wide positions next season.
The European champions would have preferred a permanent deal for Rodriguez, but they may now have to contend offloading other fringe players in order to recoup funds for a ‘Galactico signing’.
Image – Getty
