James Rodriguez transfer news: James Rodriguez was about to move to Galatasaray on a one-year loan deal.
The 31-year-old currently plays for Qatari side Al-Rayyan, which he joined in 2021 after leaving Everton for free.
James was one of Colombia’s brightest talents and began his professional career in Envigado. He spent three years there from 2006 to 2008.
He also spent two years at Banfield before making his first European move. Portuguese giants Porto signed him for €5.1m, with 30% of the economic rights retained by other parties. James’ four-year contract had a release clause of €30m.
Transfers of James Rodríguez: His time at Real Madrid
The Colombian attacker scored his first Porto goal against CSKA Sofia in the Europa League match. Before finishing the year of his contract, he signed a new five-year contract that had a release clause of 45 million euros.
In his 108 games, he scored 32 goals and 42 assists for the Portuguese team.
During his time at Porto, he was linked to AS Monaco and Atlético de Madrid. Manchester United made €30m to acquire him in 2012, but he was turned down badly by the club.
After spending three seasons at Porto, he decided to join AS Monaco in 2013 for a transfer fee of €45 million and signed a five-year contract. James appeared 38 times for the club in his year-long stay with the French giants. The Colombian International scored 10 goals and provided 14 assists. He led the most assists in Ligue 1 in that season.
Winning the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup
His 2014 World Cup changed his entire career. Although Colombia was eliminated in the quarter final, he won the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer.
Joining Real Madrid and gradual decline
After his brilliant performance in the World Cup, Real Madrid bought the player for around 63 million pounds. James referred to this move as his “lifetime dream”. He signed a six-year contract with the Spanish Giant. During his 125 games for Real Madrid he scored 37 goals and 42 assists.
Madrid sent him on loan for two years to Bayern Munich, where he appeared 37 times. The Colombian superstar scored 15 goals and provided 20 assists for the German champions.
During Carlo Ancelotti’s time at Everton, the Italian bought the player for free. The Colombian spent a year at Goodison Park and was sold to Al-Rayann on a free transfer.
James Rodriguez Transfer News: Failed Moves
According to Turkish journalist Yagiz Suboncuoglu, Galatasaray held talks to sign Rodríguez on loan from Al-Rayann. Negotiations were still continuing over how their £5.2m a year wages will be divided.
But the Turkish Club was willing to pay only a quarter of his salary. The Colombian midfielder won league titles with Porto, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, most notably two Champions League crowns with Los Blancos.
The Colombian attacker was willing to return to European football, as he spoke with El Chiringuito about his relationship with Valencia: “If Valencia calls me, I’m even from Qatar. I would take a pay cut. If you need someone to help Edinson Cavani, I’ll be there. It’s a great club with great fans.” But that move did not materialize.
With the Turkish league’s summer transfer window now closed, the Colombian star is forced to stay on the Middle East side.
