Minnesota United is finalizing an agreement to sign the international star James RodriguezAs confirmed by a source to ESPN.
If Rodríguez signs, I wouldn’t be a franchise playerand the agreement would be short-term, with a minimum validity until the World Cup.
Rodríguez, 34, has been a free agent since December, when his contract with León of Liga MX expired. Therefore, He has needed to find a club to stay fit before the World Cup.
Minnesota seeks a more expansive style of play under new coach Cameron Knowles, and Rodríguez’s creativity would contribute to that goal. The player’s set-piece ability would also add to what was a strength for Minnesota last year.
The conclusion of his time with León marked the end of another chapter of what has been a nomadic life at club level in recent years.
Since his two-year loan spell (2017-19) with Bayern Munich, Rodríguez has played for Everton, Al Rayyan, Olympiacos, São Paulo, Rayo Vallecano and León. Rodríguez scored three goals and gave two assists in 14 games last season with the Mexican club.
But It is at the international level where Rodríguez continues to shine.
He won the Ballon d’Or in the 2024 Copa Américascoring a goal and six assists, and led Colombia to the final, where the Cafeteros fell to Argentina 1-0.
In total, Rodríguez has 122 games with Colombia, with 31 goals. He is expected to remain Colombia’s main offensive threat at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. Previously, won the Golden Boot at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, scoring six goals and providing two assists on Colombia’s journey to the quarterfinals. Rodríguez began his professional career in Colombia with Envigado before joining Argentine side Banfield in 2008. He subsequently played for some of the most famous clubs in the world, including Porto, AS Monaco and Real Madrid.
The Athletic was the first to report on the advanced status of the talks between Rodríguez and the ‘Rascals’.
