Colombia creator James Rodriguez’s gaining of a Spanish passport has done nothing to alter Real Madrid’s view that he has no long-term future with them, according to reports.
Rodriguez, 27, was a much-heralded €76 million signing from Monaco in the wake of his Golden Boot-exploits at World Cup 2014. He, however, failed to live up to this billing in the Spanish capital and inked a two-year loan move to Bayern Munich in July 2017, with a €42m permanent option that isn’t expected to be exercised.
The former Porto playmaker gained Spanish citizenship this week, ensuring he will not take up one of the three allowed non-EU places in the Los Blancos squad upon his return this summer. But Marca have stated that Zinedine Zidane’s return as head coach and continued pursuit of Chelsea superstar Eden Hazard means there is no desire to reintegrate him.
Perennial Serie A champions Juventus have registered interest in Rodriguez and this option, reportedly, appeals to him more than a transfer to the Premier League.
Rodriguez has netted 36 times in 111 matches. In Germany, he’s scored 15 goals during 64 fixtures.
