Real Madrid plotting sensational move to replace James Rodriguez

PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 20: Jonathan Delaplace of SM Caen and Angel Di Maria of PSG during the French League 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Stade Malherbe de Caen at Parc des Princes stadium on May 20, 2017 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 20: Jonathan Delaplace of SM Caen and Angel Di Maria of PSG during the French League 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Stade Malherbe de Caen at Parc des Princes stadium on May 20, 2017 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images) /
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Angel Di Maria may be returning to Real Madrid

Real Madrid have never been afraid to make bold moves in the transfer market. Bringing Angel Di Maria back to the club to replace James Rodriguez would certainly qualify as such. It’s a transaction that would send shock waves throughout Europe.

Spanish sources claim that Di Maria and his representatives recently met with Florentino Perez to lay the groundwork for a potential move. As you’ll recall, the 29-year-old Argentine didn’t leave the La Liga giants on the best of terms. He publicly criticized the club after he felt they tried to blame his departure on his astronomical wage demands.

In contrast, Di Maria insists he never wanted to leave Los Blancos. In retrospect, it likely would have benefitted both parties if he had stayed put.

Di Maria certainly didn’t enjoy any success upon his move to Manchester United. He floundered there under Louis van Gaal and was mercifully sold to PSG. He’s been much better for Unai Emery’s squad, but the Parisian giants failed to win Ligue 1 this season. As such, they’ll be looking to make big changes this summer. Shedding Di Maria’s salary could help their financial flexibility a great deal.

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Real Madrid believed they’d adequately replaced Di Maria with the acquisition of James Rodriguez. The talented Colombian was one of the hottest prospects in all of football when he made the move from Monaco. Unfortunately, things haven’t worked out for him in La Liga. He’s struggled to earn a consistent place in Zinedine Zidane’s starting XI.

As a result, he’s on the market this summer. Many still believe James will end up at Manchester United, but even if he doesn’t, he’ll likely suit up for a different club next season. The Red Devils aren’t the only interested party.

If he does leave, it makes sense that Real Madrid would look to bring in an established attacker to take his place. They could do a lot worse than bringing Di Maria back into the squad. He may be at the end of his prime, but he still has several good years left. His return would also please Cristiano Ronaldo which is always important to club officials.

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They say you can’t go home again, but Angel Di Maria is doing his best. He may very well return to the glory of Real Madrid this summer.