The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez’s potential destinations next season.
Real Madrid are bracing themselves for yet another spending spree this summer as Zinedine Zidane looks to undertake the next step of his proposed transition. The Frenchman is expected to get rid of a host of existing stars, with James Rodriguez being one of them.
The Colombian international has failed to win the trust of the Real Madrid manager and is tipped to leave the Santiago Bernabeu. He has already been linked with a host of clubs across Europe including Arsenal, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and even Everton.
And here, at the Hard Tackle, we will take a closer look at James’ potential suitors next season and figure out where he will be best-suited, as the playmaker looks to make the next step in his career.
Arsenal
Assessing the transfer situation
Arsenal, unfortunately, are not in the best position to sign James this summer. The Gunners are unlikely to qualify for the Champions League next season, and the club has underachieved over the past couple of years. They are also expected to enter the transfer market with a very limited budget due to last summer’s spending spree.
Transfer Likeliness: 3/10
Is Arsenal the right club?
James will definitely enjoy moving to Arsenal, who boast one of the strongest offensive units in the league. His combination with the likes of Mesut Ozil and Nicolas Pepe will be very interesting, to say the least. In addition, coach Mikel Arteta has shown some real promise and could be an ideal figurehead for the Real Madrid star.
That being said, Arsenal are undergoing a transitional phase, and it will take them a while before they can make themselves one of the biggest clubs in Europe. Not to mention, they won’t even be able to offer Europa League football, and with the rash performance in the market, they are in a financial and sporting crisis that will be hard to mitigate.
Approval Rating: 6/10
Everton
Assessing the transfer situation
Everton is definitely an interesting candidate and definitely one of the favourites to sign James this summer. And this is mainly due to the fact that the playmaker has an excellent relationship with Carlo Ancelotti. In fact, a report from early April suggested that James is ready to snub Arsenal in favour of a move to Goodison Park this summer.
Transfer Likeliness: 7/10
Is Everton the right club?
Everton will be an intriguing choice for James. The Toffees are certainly not the most powerful club in the Premier League. They have shown signs of promise under Ancelotti, who knows the player well thanks to their time together at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. Hence, the playmaker could really find it easy to settle into the English top-flight if he does move to Goodison Park.
However, the Merseyside giants will not be able to offer regular Champions League football. In fact, they are not even in a position to compete for the top four places, meaning a move to Goodison Park will only be a downgrade for the Colombian international despite all the tactical compatibility.
Approval Rating: 5/10
AC Milan
Assessing the transfer situation
AC Milan reportedly added James in their transfer wishlist earlier this year, and the Italian giants could come up with a summer bid for the Real Madrid midfielder. Milan have gotten rid of players like Suso (on loan), Ricardo Rodriguez and Krzystof Piatek this season and should have the funds available to make a move for Rodriguez, with Los Blancos reportedly looking for a fee around €50 million.
Transfer Likeliness: 7/10
Is AC Milan the right club?
Rodriguez should fit in nicely at AC Milan, who currently have a dearth of creative options. Suso was shipped out on loan for 18 months while Hakan Calhanoglu is also facing an uncertain future at the club, with his contract expiring at the end of next season.
Moreover, the Rossoneri have shown a lot of promise under Stefano Pioli. And with the intriguing duo of Rafael Leao and Ante Rebic leading the attack, James should definitely move to San Siro in the summer. It is, however, fair to point out that the Italian giants cannot guarantee regular Champions League football.
Approval Rating: 8/10
Manchester United
Assessing the transfer situation
Manchester United have not been shy in showing their interest in James. They have, in fact, held talks with Real Madrid regarding the potential transfer of the ex-Monaco sensation earlier this month. And it is fair to point out that they do have an excellent chance of signing him given their financial firepower.
Transfer Likeliness: 8/10
Is Man United the right club?
James would certainly enjoy a transition from Real Madrid to Manchester United as both clubs boast significant popularity and are capable of offering lucrative deals. But more importantly, the Colombian will not have any difficulties in getting regular game-time at Old Trafford as United are currently undergoing a transitional phase.
The Red Devils do indeed lack viable creative options beyond Bruno Fernandes, especially with Juan Mata nearing the final phase of his career. That means Rodriguez could become the central figure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s creative unit alongside the Portuguese, with Marcus Rashford leading the attack.
On the flip side, however, Manchester United won’t likely be able to provide Champions League football, with the club trailing Chelsea in fifth place in the current standings. But aside from that, Old Trafford is indeed an appealing destination for the Real Madrid star.
