Fansided

The 10 best signings of the summer transfer window

By Andrew Beasley

TOPSHOT - Brazilian superstar Neymar poses with a ball during his official presentation at the Parc des Princes stadium on August 4, 2017 in Paris after agreeing a five-year contract following his world record 222 million euro ($260 million) transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint Germain's (PSG).Paris Saint-Germain have signed Brazilian forward Neymar from Barcelona for a world-record transfer fee of 222 million euros (around $264 million), more than doubling the previous record. Neymar said he came to Paris Saint-Germain for a 'bigger challenge' in his first public comments since arriving in the French capital. / AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE LOPEZ (Photo credit should read PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - Brazilian superstar Neymar poses with a ball during his official presentation at the Parc des Princes stadium on August 4, 2017 in Paris after agreeing a five-year contract following his world record 222 million euro ($260 million) transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint Germain's (PSG).Paris Saint-Germain have signed Brazilian forward Neymar from Barcelona for a world-record transfer fee of 222 million euros (around $264 million), more than doubling the previous record. Neymar said he came to Paris Saint-Germain for a 'bigger challenge' in his first public comments since arriving in the French capital. / AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE LOPEZ (Photo credit should read PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/Getty Images) /
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MUNICH, GERMANY – AUGUST 01: James Rodriguez of FC Bayern Muenchen runs during the Audi Cup 2017 match between Bayern Muenchen and Liverpool FC at Allianz Arena on August 1, 2017 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY – AUGUST 01: James Rodriguez of FC Bayern Muenchen runs during the Audi Cup 2017 match between Bayern Muenchen and Liverpool FC at Allianz Arena on August 1, 2017 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images) /

8. James Rodriguez, Bayern Munich

Loan from Real Madrid

James Rodriguez took the 2014 World Cup by storm. He scored six goals at the finals, and won the Puskas award for the goal of the tournament. A big money move to Real Madrid almost inevitably followed. The Colombian has been unable to cement a place in the team, though.

There’s no shame in that. But a record of only completing 14, seven and five league games in his three years in Spain illustrates that he has been a bit part player there. A player of his undoubted talent should be regularly strutting his stuff at a high level.

Not that he has flopped entirely, by any means. A record of a goal or assist every 95 minutes is not to be sniffed at. Rodriguez may have made multiple short appearances playing for a very dominant team, but that’s still an impressive goal contribution rate regardless.

Bayern have a definite need for younger legs too. Bringing in a player who has only just turned 26 suits their requirements well. Even if the reported two-year loan fee of £11.7 million is accurate, it could prove fantastic value for money.

The Colombian international has yet to make his debut. He went off injured in Bayern’s 3-0 preseason defeat to Liverpool. That won’t help him in terms of settling quickly and making an immediate impact, but he featured in five warm up games so should clearly be a regular once he returns. Legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti is capable of harnessing Rodriguez’s quality and the whole of the Bundesliga had better watch out.

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