James Rodriguez is a new player for Rayo Vallecano: Fabrizio Romano confirmed the news

James Rodriguez will be a new player for Rayo Vallecano. The Cucuteño midfielder will return to Spanish football after a four-year career in which he played in countries such as England, Qatar, Greece and Brazil.

As reported by the Italian Fabrizio Romano, one of the most specialized journalists on the European football transfer market, a meeting took place on the morning of Sunday 25 August 2024 during which The Colombian national team midfielder has reached an agreement with the Madrid team to wear their jersey in the 2024/25 season.

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The link that would unite the Colombian to the Vallecas team would initially last until June 2025; however, Romano made it clear that the contract also includes the possibility of extending it for another year, that is, until June 2026.

Only the formal procedures would remain, as well as the review of documents and medical examinations for the Cucuteño to put his signature and wear the red and white jersey, one of the most traditional in Iberian football.

Actually, Fabrizio Romano concluded the message in which he announced the news with his usual “Here we go”, characteristic of him to confirm a new signing in European football.

As things stand, the Colombian will return to Madrid, a city that for many witnessed the prime of his football career when he signed for Real Madrid in mid-2014, days after the Colombian team ended its participation in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

On the other hand, if he fully respects his contract and the club exercises the possibility of extending it until June 2026, James Rodriguez would arrive with a high competitive pace for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canadawhich will take place in the summer of that year.

Likewise, the Spanish team would have finalized the signing of the Colombian as part of its management for the commemoration of the 100 years of its foundation.

It is important to emphasize that the Rayo Vallecano was the same team that signed Radamel Falcao García in mid-2021after his controversial stint at Galatasaray in Turkey. Even Samario, now a Millonarios player, received a huge welcome at the Vallecas stadium, home to the Madrid team, where more than 10,000 fans came to greet Tigre and his family.

James Rodríguez started out as a player at Envigado in 2006. Although his mother rejected offers from important Colombian clubs, his talent did not go unnoticed and he quickly emigrated to Argentine football, where he made his debut at Banfield at the age of 17. At that club, he became a prominent figure, which eventually opened the doors to Europe with his signing for Porto.

During his time at Porto, James was a key player, contributing significantly to the club’s treble in the 2010/11 season (Portuguese League, Cup and Super Cup) and the conquest of the Europa League. In Portugal, he made 107 appearances and scored 32 goals, making him an idol among the fans.

In 2013, James moved to Monaco with his Porto teammate João Moutinho. Under Claudio Ranieri as coach, he played 108 games, scoring 32 goals and providing 41 assists; however, it was his performance at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil that truly propelled him to global stardom.

The next step in his career was his signing for Real Madrid under coach Carlo Ancelotti, who always appreciated him. In his first season with the Spanish club, James scored 13 goals and provided 13 assists. However, his relationship with coaches Rafa Benitez and Zinedine Zidane was less happy, leading to his eventual loan to Bayern Munich in 2017.

Under Ancelotti at Bayern, James won two Bundesligas and the German Cup in the 2018/19 season, forming a formidable midfield trio with Javi Martínez and Thiago Alcántara.

Back at Real Madrid, injuries and lack of opportunities with Zidane precipitated his departure to Everton, where he reunited with Ancelotti in the Premier League. There, he made 26 appearances and scored 6 goals in the 2020/21 season.

After his time at Everton, James ventured into less competitive leagues: first to Al-Rayyan in Qatar in 2021, then to Olympiacos in Greece in 2022.

His last team was São Paulo in Brazilian football, a club he joined in mid-2023.