James Rodriguez: Where is his next destination?

Following the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, James Rodriguez was a wanted man after earning rave reviews and advancing Colombia to the quarterfinals, only to be controversially to be knocked out by the hosts, Brazil.

As he sat on the field in tears, he was unaware his world would be up and down from then on.

A transfer to Real Madrid followed and he largely impressed in his first and second seasons, albeit he never featured regularly in the latter, he still managed to score 11 goals and assisted 13 times.

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He wanted more regularly action from the start and demanded a loan move at the start of the 2017-18 season, which Zinedine Zidane granted as he couldn’t guarantee a regular starting role at Los Blancos.

He was loaned to Bayern Munich for two seasons and although he was named in Bundesliga team of the season under Jupp Heynckes, the Bavarians have now confirmed they have decided against the chance to make the Colombian’s Munich switch a permanent one.

That was largely due to his indifferent form under Niko Kovac with the manager a certainty to remain with the club after providing the trophies following a poor start to his managerial career at the Allianz Arena.

So where does James Rodriguez go from here?

His first option is to return to the Spanish capital and play back under the French manager, where the attacking midfield could shine out of Cristiano Ronaldo’s shadow and away from the potential departure of Isco. The Real Champs had their say from the perspective of a fan…

Finishing off what he could have started in his first two years is likely to be an appealing option for the midfielder. A pre-season fired up at Madrid could convince many of his doubters.

Should he desire a transfer away from the newly formed galacticos then there is plenty of options as a number of European teams do require a ‘number 10’ to make their attacking threat more fluid and dynamic.

Italy is a highly likely destination, with four teams possible destinations for the 27-year-old. Inter Milan, Napoli, Roma are reportedly interested, with a possible link-up with Carlo Ancelotti again in a different environment. However, Juventus are frontrunners for the signature.

With Maurizio Sarri likely to be manager come next season, the signing can be the addition that would suit the preferred fluid attacking style of play. Although, the Bianconeri would probably have to sell some midfielders, given that they have just signed Aaron Ramsey. Miralem Pjanic or Sami Khedira could depart given the right fee.

The transfer could have some serious legs though as the powerful influencer Cristiano Ronaldo will want his Madrid mate by his side again, according to Sport Bild. It helps that they share the same agent in Jorge Mendes, with the ‘super-agent’ already negotiating a deal between the two clubs last season for Ronaldo.

Should any Italian clubs not provide the demands, then the remaining potential suitors have deep enough pockets. Paris Saint Germain will be interested as they bid to add a more attacking threat of Champions League quality and a perfect replacement for wantaway Neymar.

He will also fit in perfectly at Manchester United with the Old Trafford side ready to make a bid, as reported by The Daily Star earlier this week.

Although an inexperienced manager and the Europa League next season is not likely to the best attraction, the wages are likely to be matched, if not greater, and it’s a chance to awaken a sleeping giant.

If that fails then there is a possibility of London, with the Colombian being suited to both Tottenham and Chelsea. Both clubs will want a new creator in their squad given that Eden Hazard has left and Christien Eriksen has expressed a desire to leave for pastures new.

Should Madrid be interested in Spurs’ Danish star, then its ups to Mauricio Pochettino and Daniel Levy to negotiate a trade in players.

However, it is highly likely that we will see a later transfer as the Colombian star is currently preparing for the Copa America and his focus will surely be on that tournament.

No matter where Rodriguez ends up playing next year, providing he remains injury-free and gets regular football, then we will see the Colombian smile back on the football field.