Starring role with Man United could induce Colombian
My piece for MARCA
Premier League offers and a subdued role in the capital are pushing James Rodriguez closer to the Real Madrid exit door.
Thoughts of a departure didn't appear to be on the Colombian's mind even a few short weeks ago, but should anyone match James' €80 million price tag it would be up to the player to decide on his future, having dropped down the Los Blancos pecking order.
Such a fee would clearly limit the number of potential destinations, except for cash-rich clubs such as Jose Mourinho's Manchester United, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and even West Ham United, who are considering a bid. However, no club has surpassed an offer of €60m at this point.
James is understandably unsure as to whether he can force his way back in to manager Zinedine Zidane's plans and was disappointed not to see action for a single minute in the Champions League final as Madrid claimed their Undecima European title.
Having plenty of time to muse over his future, Rodriguez enters pre-season following a fine showing for his national side at the Copa America Centenario and would surely relish figuring in a team where he could feel of similar importance, something that may be hard to envisage at his current club.
But on the other hand, the attacking midfielder has come to identify himself with Real Madrid and is happily settled with life in the city; the problem remains though that he is no longer an undisputed starter.
Kicking off his own pre-season on July 26, Rodriguez is putting in solid gym time to be prepared physically for 2016/17, however it is complete mental and psychological commitment that both the coach and president desire for Real, which could be the deciding factor in allowing the Colombian to leave.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE AT MARCA IN ENGLISH
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