Real Madrid superstar James Rodriguez would prefer a move to Bayern Munich over Liverpool, according to reports
According to Don Balon, James Rodriguez has finally made a decision to leave Real Madrid. They claim that the only reason he stayed in January was because nobody put in a significant bid for him, with the highest bid only reaching around €40 million.
The Colombian international joined Real Madrid from Monaco back in 2014 in a deal worth around €80 million and Real are said to be looking to recoup at least €60 million this summer, especially seeing as Rodriguez still has a contract until 2020.
Considered one of the most promising young players in the world a few years ago, a combination of injuries as well as the Colombian himself struggling for form has seen him fail to live up to that potential at the Santiago Bernabeu.
This season has been his worst season in a Real Madrid jersey. Rodriguez has managed only seven starts under manager Zinedine Zidane and there was heavy speculation that the player would be sold in January, although he ended up staying at the Bernabeu.
Don Balon claim that Zidane had already made it clear that he wanted to sell Rodriguez at the start of this season itself and his stance has not changed, with the Frenchman deeming Rodriguez surplus to his plans for next season as well.
Reports emerged earlier this month claiming Bayern Munich were interested in signing the Colombian international, with Carlo Ancelotti said to be keeping tabs on the player that he signed as manager of Real Madrid.
Bayern Munich have begun looking for long-term replacements for Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben – both of whom are 33 years of age – and Rodriguez’s ability to play on either flank as well as the fact that he is 25 makes him a good option for the German giants.
More recently, Liverpool were said to be confident of sealing a deal for the skillful midfielder, although they are said to be aware that this is dependent on whether or not they qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
Jurgen Klopp has been on the lookout for more attacking players and given Rodriguez’s versatility and his obvious ability, he would slot in seamlessly anywhere across midfield and suit their fluid formation perfectly.
However, Don Balon claim that Rodriguez himself has chosen Bayern Munich as his next destination as he is keen on a reunion with Carlo Ancelotti. Bayern would also be able to offer him a better chance at trophies as well as better wages, so it appears that Liverpool have their work cut out for them if they want to sign the midfielder this summer.
