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5 possible new clubs for Real Madrid outcast James Rodriguez

By Harry De Cosemo

TRONDHEIM, NORWAY - AUGUST 09: James Rodriguez of Real Madrid celebrate with the trophy after theUEFA Super Cup match between Real Madrid and Sevilla at the Lerkendal Stadion on August 9, 2016 in Trondheim, Norway. (Photo by Trond Tandberg/Getty Images)
TRONDHEIM, NORWAY - AUGUST 09: James Rodriguez of Real Madrid celebrate with the trophy after theUEFA Super Cup match between Real Madrid and Sevilla at the Lerkendal Stadion on August 9, 2016 in Trondheim, Norway. (Photo by Trond Tandberg/Getty Images) /
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James Rodriguez' stunning solo goal helped Real Madrid to a record-equaling win
James Rodriguez’ stunning solo goal helped Real Madrid to a record-equaling win /

Where should the Real Madrid star go?

When James Rodriguez moved to Real Madrid in the summer of 2014, failure seemed impossible. It was after the World Cup in Brazil, when the then AS Monaco star inspired his native Colombia to the quarter finals by scoring six goals, including the goal of the tournament, a performance which elevated him to the very top.

Only those with similar experiences can understand the pressure of signing for Real Madrid, let alone as the main creative midfielder or the fact that he cost more than $80million. The deal came out of the blue, and even James was probably caught off guard. Succeeding at the Santiago Bernabeu in any situation is tough, let alone one as pressurised as that.

Nevertheless, he had to deliver. The previous season, Carlo Ancelotti’s first in charge, Los Blancos had won the Copa Del Rey and Champions League with Angel Di Maria at the heart of midfield after being reinvented by the Italian. But when a deal for Rodriguez, the hottest property in the game at the time, became possible, Di Maria was sacrificed.

Despite impressive individual displays in his debut campaign, Rodriguez could only watch as a year with no titles cost Ancelotti his job. Failing to impress his replacement Rafa Benitez and current boss Zidedine Zidane in the 18 months since has left the 25-year-old out in the cold.

A move away from the club is looking increasingly likely next summer, so here are five possible destinations for the floundering star.

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