Liverpool are reportedly lining up a move to sign James Rodriguez from Real Madrid in the upcoming summer transfer window.
According to a report by Spanish publication Don Balon, James Rodriguez is the subject of interest from Liverpool. The Reds are plotting an audacious summer swoop for the Colombian playmaker, who is on a two-year loan spell at Bayern Munich from Real Madrid.
James Rodriguez has resurrected his stuttering career to an extent at Bayern Munich after struggling to clock regular game time under Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid. Last summer, the player joined the German champions on a two-year loan deal, and it has worked wonders for him.
While his return of three goals and five assists in 20 appearances across all competitions do not project an improvement in form and fortune, James is a regular under Jupp Heynckes and is heavily involved in a lot of build-up plays for the Bavarian giants.
Liverpool have contacted the representatives of Colombian midfielder James Rodríguez. Klopp believes signing him would be the ideal replacement for Coutinho. [@donbalon_com] #LFC pic.twitter.com/l62cYMpMbr
— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) January 17, 2018
His advent at the Allianz Arena has also piqued the interest of several high profile clubs that are now considering a move for him. Liverpool are one such club, who have been interested in James for a while now, and are now planning to launch the offensive.
Jurgen Klopp’s men have been one of the most prolific sides in Europe this season, with Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino in menacing form for large parts of the campaign. Philippe Coutinho was a key figure for Liverpool as well, before he joined Barcelona in a winter deal.
The departure of the Brazilian has deprived Liverpool of genuine playmakers who can set up the front trio, although it was not all that apparent in the 4-3 win over Manchester City last weekend. Liverpool, nonetheless, still need to bolster their creative options as a long-term solution, making James a viable target.
The operation to sign the Colombian international will be an uphill task for the Reds though, with Bayern unwilling to let the player leave early. But, Real Madrid are aware that, with his contract at the Bernabeu running down, the summer might just be the right time to cash in on him, which should provide Liverpool a spring in their step.
What remains certain is that James’ career is on an upward trajectory once again and it will be interesting to see if Liverpool can succeed in their pursuit of the player in the upcoming summer transfer window.
