Transfer rumor roundup 7/10: Bayern chasing James Rodriguez
By Nick Pitner
Here’s a roundup of the latest news and transfer rumors surrounding which players could be joining new teams in the coming months.
Monday’s transfer news is led by Colombian outlet Caracol TV’s report that Bayern Munich are expected to submit an offer for James Rodriguez this week.
The Real Madrid attacker, who has been frustrated by limited playing time under manager Zinedine Zidane, has been linked with a move away this summer, with Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United mentioned as potential destinations.
However, with Carlo Ancelotti, the man that brought him to the Bernabeu in 2014, now in charge at Bayern, it’s believed that Rodriguez will have the opportunity to be reunited with his former boss.
In joining the Bavarian club, Rodriguez would embody a younger alternative to both Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben, and would provide a replacement for Douglas Costa, who is anticipated to leave this summer.
Just 25 years old, Rodriguez boasts 36 goals and 41 assists in 111 appearances for Real Madrid across all competitions.
Development in the race for Rodriguez’s signature comes as Real Madrid are set to confirm the signing of Spanish midfielder Dani Ceballos.
According to Marca, Ceballo rejected Barcelona in favor of the back-to-back Champions League winners, who are expected to pay Real Betis €18 million.
That figure is actually slightly above Ceballos’ release clause, but is being offered by Madrid to ensure smooth negotiations between the clubs.
Fresh off a dazzling display during the U-21 Euros, Ceballos starred in central midfield for Betis this past season, ranking in the team’s top three in shot attempts (37), tackles (3.1), key passes (1.3) and dribbles completed (2.7) per game, per WhoScored.
Ceballos reportedly traveled to Madrid to undergo a medical and sign a six-year contract on Monday, and barring an unforeseen hitch in the process, he’s slated to join Los Blancos on their American preseason tour later this month.
Another prominent European outfit that’ll be in the United States this summer is Paris Saint-Germain, who L’Equipe reports have launched a last-minute offensive to persuade Dani Alves to join them instead of Manchester City.
Next: The worst signing ever for every Premier League team
The Brazilian right-back is currently a free agent and was thought to be destined to link up with former manager Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. However, newly appointed PSG sporting director Antero Henrique has pitched Alves on a better quality of life in Paris, where his countrymen Thiago Silva, Marquinhos and Lucas ply their trade.
While the 34-year-old hasn’t yet made a decision over where he’ll play next, it appears PSG have certainly complicated the process.
Elsewhere in France, Nice left-back Dalbert is the subject of a recent €20 million bid from Inter Milan, according to Football Italia.
The 23-year-old was widely impressive in his first Ligue 1 season, averaging 2.6 tackles, 3.1 clearances and 1.4 completed dribbles, per WhoScored.
In doing so, the rapid Brazilian helped Nice finish third in France, raising eyebrows across Europe.
Although Inter are said to be offering €15 million plus another €5 million in bonuses, Nice will reportedly hold out for his release clause of €30 million.