Real Madrid have reportedly pulled the plug on James Rodriguez’s transfer to Atletico Madrid, with Los Blancos refusing to sell to their rivals.
According to a report by Spanish publication AS, Real Madrid are refusing to deal with Atletico Madrid for the transfer of James Rodriguez in this summer’s transfer window. The Colombian playmaker now looks set to stay put at the Bernabeu, with Napoli unlikely to secure his services.
Back at Real Madrid after a mildly successful two-year loan spell with Bayern Munich, James Rodriguez’s future hangs in the balance. With Zinedine Zidane at the helm again at Santiago Bernabeu, it has been widely reported that the 28-year-old is unlikely to turn out for Los Blancos in the upcoming season, even though he has been due to return to training this week.
AS also report that the Real Madrid boss wants the club to facilitate the player’s exit this summer. There has been no shortage of suitors in Rodriguez’s pursuit either, with Atletico Madrid and Napoli being heavily linked with him over the course of the transfer window.
Atletico Madrid are bracing themselves for the departure of Angel Correa, who is being courted by AC Milan. The Argentine’s departure would leave Los Rojiblancos short of options for the right side of the midfield four, which explains the interest in James Rodriguez.
For a long time though, the Colombian international had been reported to be on the cusp of reuniting with Carlo Ancelotti at Napoli. But, the Partenopei have been insistent on signing the midfielder on a loan deal, a prospect that Real Madrid have been averse to.
Los Blancos’ €40 million price tag was deemed acceptable by Atletico Madrid, which meant that Rodriguez was reportedly inching closer to the switch to the Wanda Metropolitano. But, things have changed within the span of a week.
Marco Asensio’s long-term injury has left Zidane with insufficient recognised choices in attack. Lucas Vazquez and Vinicius Junior are the only players who could be deployed on the right wing now, especially with Brahim Diaz being linked with a loan move and Gareth Bale being primed for a summer exit despite recent complications.
Summer arrivals Takefusa Kubo and Rodrygo are expected to predominantly turn out for Real Madrid Castilla in the upcoming season, unless Los Blancos are forced to promote them, as was the case with Vinicius. Additionally, in the wake of their 7-3 pre-season loss to Atletico Madrid has also changed Florentino Perez’s mind.
Real Madrid have already conducted business with Los Rojiblancos this summer and are now unwilling to do any further deals this summer. As a result, it now looks like Rodriguez could remain at the club and become an option for Zidane in midfield and attack. But, with over a month left for the transfer window to shut down, it remains to be seen if the Merengues’ stance on him changes.
