Assessing James Rodriguez’s transfer options this summer

James Rodriguez may be on the move after an underwhelming return to Real Madrid. Which teams could show interest in a possible transfer or loan deal?

James Rodriguez is at a career crossroads. In his return to Real Madrid following a two-year loan stint with Bayern Munich, the season simply has not panned out his way. Between injuries and questions surrounding his tactical fit with the club, the Colombian international is once again an outcast within the team.

For such a high-profile player like James, transfer rumors and speculation are sure to ramp up as the summer transfer window nears. A multitude of teams may show their interests in a potential move for several reasons.

James is a versatile central attacking midfield talent with an eye on creating multiple goal-scoring chances per game. More importantly, he has one year left on his contract. So even teams that may be short in their transfer budget due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the price for a James transfer deal coupled with an extension will not be as steep than for other notable attacking players. A loan option with an obligation to pay his wages poses another choice for some teams as well.

So, which teams may be poised as a possible future destination for James?

Move to city rivals

At one point during the 2019 summer transfer window, Atletico Madrid seemed like a possible destination for James until talks broke down in the end. Atletico subsequently elected to sign Real Madrid’s Marcos Llorente instead for depth.

However, Atletico club officials may reopen talks with their biggest rivals because their midfield is in dire need of a shakeup.

For one, they lack a chance-creating player who can operate behind the striker tandem of Joao Felix and Alvaro Morata. Los Rojiblancos possess an array of ball-winning players who can track back to defend like no other unit in Europe. But when it comes to creating shot on goal attempts, Simeone’s side often revert to low-percentage aerial balls to push the ball into the box.

James is just the player who can step in and fill the creative void. His 3.72 key passes per 90 rate this season is more than any current Atletico midfielder. Whether it is on the flanks or central zones, he fits the bill for an elegant on-ball talent in front of Atleti’s more industrious players.

Reunite with Carlo Ancelotti

When Carlo Ancelotti was in charge of Napoli, one player who he looked to bring in was James Rodriguez. Four years since he last managed the Colombian at Real Madrid, Ancelotti still regarded him as a quality talent.

“We’re still talking for James, a player that I really like,” Ancelotti said in 2019. “I’m very attached to James, I rate him very highly and he can certainly improve our team.”

Now with Everton, Ancelotti could look to reunite with James.

Like Simeone, Ancelotti needs a prolific ball advancing midfielder for his 4-4-2 setup. Gylfi Sigurdsson has led the way in the midfield with two assists and 2.06 key passes per 90 in Premier League play. But a talent like James in the starting 11 would be a significant upgrade on the offensive side.

Everton need to prove to Ancelotti that they are truly backing him with funds for high-profile transfers, so who better than a former player of his who he clearly still rates. The club have been big spenders in the market over the years, and this move could wind up being their next grand signing.

Meanwhile, James could very well be interested in a move to Everton. While he’s never played in England, he is very likely fond of the Italian manager considering that his best year with Real Madrid came under his reign.

Spurs’ splash singing

Last summer, Tottenham were in the running for an attacking midfielder as the board were anticipating the eventual departure of Christian Eriksen. Both Philippe Coutinho and Paulo Dybala were heavily rumored to join Spurs, but club chairman Daniel Levy failed to secure either of the two deals.

Now with Eriksen gone, Spurs may be in need of a central attacking midfielder to slot into the number 10 role for manager Jose Mourinho’s 4-2-3-1. Both Dele Alli and Giovani Lo Celso have operated in the number 10 role, but a talent of James’ caliber would elevate Spurs’ attack. He can play behind Harry Kane and occupy the space around zone 14. The potential link-up chemistry between the two could mirror that of when Eriksen excelled in the same role.

One tactical issue that may raise some concern for Spurs if this move pans out is defending. James is certainly not one who could be relied on to defend in deep low blocks, which may pose spatial issues for Spurs.  For instance, James would have not been relied on to start in Mourinho’s 5-4-1 setup against Chelsea in February.

There are certainly pros and cons to this move.

Mikel Arteta’s first major signing

Similar to Mourinho, Mikel Arteta also structures his Arsenal side in a 4-2-3-1. With the vast under-performance of Mesut Ozil, Arsenal could look for another central attacking midfielder option and may consider bringing in James Rodriguez.

James’ profile as an attacking-minded player fits the bill for Arsenal’s preferred possessional play. One component of that is centered on providing the striker in the setup — either Alexandre Lacazette or Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang — with goal-scoring opportunities. Simple enough, but it has been an tricky task at times for Arsenal. This season for Real Madrid, James is delivering at a relatively high 0.22 xA per key pass, albeit in limited opportunities. He is just the player to build formidable chemistry with either of Arsenal’s strikers.

This move is more of a wild-card option because of Arsenal’s pending transfer plans. After multiple transfer windows in which they have gone all out for attackers, they may shift their focus on shoring up the defense. Head of football Raul Sanllehi is in the midst of a rebuild within the club and a lock-down defender likely ranks at the top of his transfer priorities.

Stay with Real Madrid

Never say never.

While all signs point to an inevitable departure this summer, James Rodriguez could decide to stay for another season.

At this point, his days as a starter for Real Madrid are long gone. Real Madrid have mainly relied on a rotation of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Casemiro and Federico Valverde to start while Isco has been a reliable option off the bench. Competition will only become more intense with both Martin Odegaard and Reinier likely being groomed as the team’s perennial starting midfielders for the near future.

James is likely not seen as a viable midfield option down the road, so any talk of a contract extension is off the table. Thus, James has two options for his future: leave in the summer — transfer or loan — or stay another season and become a free agent in 2021.

If he chooses the latter option, the Colombian international is bound for another season as a bench option. Maybe he enjoys fulfilling such a role. But likely not.

In the big picture, it is clear that he is not being favored for the team’s preferred 4-3-3 and 4-1-4-1 tactical systems. The club not only desires potent on-ball midfielders but also those that can be influential in pressing and winning back possession. When James is struggling to dish out line-splitting passes, he then becomes a liability on the pitch due to his lack of a pressing and defensive presence.

The options are endless for James Rodriguez. Teams like PSG, Manchester United, AS Monaco, Juventus, Wolverhampton, Sevilla, Bayer Leverkusen and Napoli could also emerge as possible destinations for him. These teams make sense for either tactical reasons or simply based on a need of an attacking-minded midfielder. And if he is available on a free transfer next year he’d be even more appealing for them.

Needless to say, rumors surrounding James’ future will spike up soon.