James Rodríguez is reportedly in advanced negotiations to join Italian Serie B club Avellino, marking a potential return to European football for the 35-year-old Colombian midfielder, according to exclusive reports from journalist Matteo Moretto cited by Caracol Radio.
Negotiations Led by Alessandro Nesta
The discussions between Rodríguez and the Italian club are reportedly being spearheaded by Avellino manager Alessandro Nesta.
Rodríguez has been a free agent since his contract with Major League Soccer side Minnesota United concluded prior to the FIFA World Cup, as reported by El Tiempo. Following the conclusion of the tournament held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the Colombian international was briefly linked with moves to Serie A side Lazio and Liga MX club América, though those negotiations ultimately did not advance.
Avellino’s Current Standing in Serie B
Avellino 1912 currently occupies fifth place in the Serie B standings after three rounds of the season. The club has collected six points from two victories and one defeat, boasting a goal differential of plus-three, according to league records cited by Caracol Radio.
If the transfer is finalized, Avellino would become the fourteenth club of Rodríguez’s senior professional career and his eighth stop in European football. The Cucuta-born midfielder’s extensive career path includes stints with Envigado in Colombia, Banfield in Argentina, Porto in Portugal, Monaco in France, Real Madrid in Spain, Bayern Munich in Germany, Everton in England, Al-Rayyan in Qatar, Olympiacos in Greece, São Paulo in Brazil, Rayo Vallecano in Spain, Club León in Mexico, and Minnesota United in the United States.
What Comes Next for Rodríguez
With discussions ongoing, any official confirmation regarding Rodríguez’s next destination rests on the conclusion of negotiations between the player’s camp and Avellino’s management team led by Nesta.
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