Bayern Munich have confirmed the capture of Real Madrid superstar James Rodriguez on a two-year loan deal, beating Manchester United to the Colombian.
Bayern Munich have confirmed, via their official twitter handle, the capture of Real Madrid superstar James Rodriguez on a two-year loan deal. The player was linked heavily to the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea. But, Carlo Ancelotti’s men have moved quickly to beat them and others to the Colombian playmaker.
James Rodriguez has been edging towards an exit day-by-day this summer. The Colombian arrived at Santiago Bernabeu with much hype after an explosive 2014 FIFA World Cup. And while the playmaker showed definitive sparks early on, his career has taken a step backwards under Zinedine Zidane.
IT’S OFFICIAL! #FCBayern have signed @jamesdrodriguez on a two-year loan deal. More to follow… #MiaSanMia #ServusJames pic.twitter.com/l6DToUrXxZ
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) July 11, 2017
The manager has ushered in a hugely successful era at Real Madrid. But, his appointment has not had a positive impact on Rodriguez’s Real career. The player put in impressive displays whenever called upon. But, the same has not seen him regain his role in the starting eleven.
A mere 33 appearances in all competitions – he managed a noteworthy tally of 11 goals and 13 assists – has been troubling for James, with the absence in the UEFA Champions League believed to be the final nail in the coffin.
Manchester United have been long-term admirers of the Colombian and with Wayne Rooney returning to boyhood club Everton, the Red Devils have been linked with a move for the 25-year-old. Chelsea, on the other hand, were also rumoured to be looking at the possibility of securing a move for the playmaker.
However, Manchester United’s recent transfer dealings with Real Madrid seem to have affected their business relationship, with United’s withdrawal of interest in Morata unlikely to have caused much improvement.
And it is believed to be the same that may have prompted Real Madrid to agree to part with the player on a two-year loan deal to Bayern Munich. The deal does solve several problems. At Bayern, James will have the opportunity to reunite with his former boss Carlo Ancelotti – the manager under whom he excelled at the Bernabeu.
For Bayern, the Colombian’s arrival will mean they are likely to cede their interest in Alexis Sanchez, who was demanding a considerably wealthy wage-packet along with the price tag slapped on the player by Arsenal – a price tag that is monumental given the player has just 1 year left on his current deal at Emirates.
Also, James may just be able to recapture his old form at the Allianz Arena under former coach Carlo Ancelotti – a sight many of his admirers would love to see once again.
Bayern Munich are paying €5m per year loan fee for James, plus they can buy him for €35.2m in 2019, say SportBild. That’s a fantastic deal.
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) July 11, 2017
As far as the numbers go, there is reportedly an option embedded in the deal that enables Bayern to make the signing permanent for €35.2 million – a generous fee considering the player’s popularity and the number of years he can offer.
The deal will now likely see United shift their attention to someone else and it will be interesting to see which player the Red Devils decide to pursue. For now, though, Bayern fans would be ecstatic to get a player of the Colombian’s caliber.
