Despite being heavily linked with a move to Premier League giants Manchester United in recent weeks, Real Madrid starlet James Rodriguez has been signed by German heavyweights Bayern Munich in a loan deal, the Bundesliga champions have announced.
Rodriguez’s deal is set to run for two years, with the German side having the option to purchase the player at the end of the spell in 2019.
The Colombian captain caused a media sensation when he became vocal about his lack of playing time just before last season ended, sparking speculation the 25-year-old may be heading towards the exit doors of the Santiago Bernabeu.
Indeed, his frustrations are not misplaced. The Los Blancos playmaker only managed to make 13 starts for the 12-time Champions League winners, despite being heralded as a future hall-of-famer for the club when Rodriguez signed for Real Madrid for a jaw-dropping £71m back in 2014.
Many believed Manchester United were the favourites to land the attacking midfielder, with reports stating scouts and club representatives have been in contact with the player in the last few months – although now it seems the Reds have failed in their quest to land another summer transfer target.
Regardless, it appears James has gotten his wish to leave the club and he can now concentrate on playing beautiful football, something Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is counting on, saying in his club’s official website, “James is a very versatile player. He’s a goalscorer himself, he sets up a lot of goals and on top of that he’s great from set-pieces.
“There’s no question that this transfer further increases the quality in our team. We’re delighted we’ve been able to complete this transfer,” Rummenigge added.
Rodriguez will get to join his new teammates soon as the Colombian wizard is set to join the club in their pre-season tour in China which starts next week.