Real Madrid have received a massive bid for midfielder James Rodriguez, but the player is intent on staying at the Bernabeu and fighting for a first team place under Zinedine Zidane.
Los Blancos bought the Colombian playmaker from AS Monaco for a whopping €80 million after his breakout performances at the 2014 World Cup. Rodriguez led Colombia to the quarter-finals and won the Golden Boot award for his 6 goals in the tournament.
The 24-year old attacking midfielder has seen his involvement for Real drop drastically this past season. The arrival of Rafael Benitez saw him demoted to the bench, and the appointment of Zidane resulted in his game-time being reduced to a greater extent. Zidane has so far preferred a midfield trio of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro, leaving Rodriguez to battle it out with Spaniard Isco for substitute appearances.
Zidane even played up rumours of a transfer for the midfielder recently. However, James has spoken out about his desire to stay at the club, also revealing that Los Blancos have already received a €85 million bid for him.
“I will fight to earn my place. That’s my dream,” Rodriguez told Spanish publication MARCA.
“I will stay at Real Madrid, I will succeed here. I know that the club received an €85m bid for me, but I’m not leaving.”
James Rodriguez is one of the most highly rated young attacking midfielders in football. He can play anywhere in attacking midfield and is particularly effective playing just behind the central striker. He has the ability to break into the first team of most top clubs in Europe, but it is because of Los Blancos’ array of attacking depth that the 24-year old isn’t getting regular first team action.
Real Madrid may have received the alleged €85 million bid from one of the clubs previously linked with him. Ligue 1 Champions PSG are believed to be interested in James Rodriguez, Premier League giants Arsenal have also been linked with the Colombian. Meanwhile, Manchester United were considered favourites to land the attacking midfielder. The Red Devils have already brought in a similar player in Henrikh Mkhitaryan from Borussia Dortmund though, and it is unlikely that they would now spend so much on Rodriguez.
The decision rests with manager Zinedine Zidane and the Real Madrid hierarchy. If James’ claims regarding the massive bid are true, the Real management will probably lean towards letting him go rather than wasting his ability by keeping him on the bench.
