3 English clubs James Rodriguez can join this winter

James is unsettled at Real Madrid once again.
James is unsettled at Real Madrid once again.

James Rodriguez is finding himself in a precarious situation at Real Madrid under Zinedine Zidane once again. The Colombian superstar has been less than impressive in his performances for Los Blancos after his return from a long-term loan spell at Bayern Munich. The 28-year-old attacking midfielder has also been struck with injuries multiple times which has not helped his cause. He has made just 9 appearances this season in which he scored 1 and assisted another in 422 minutes of club football.

Zidane usually prefers his midfield to comprise Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro and promising youngster Federico Valverde is also making his mark. On loan starlet, Martin Odegaard, is also having a superb season at Real Sociedad and there are rumours about Madrid calling him back next summer which would mean more competition for James Rodriguez to fight for a spot at the club. He should move on, in the best interests of his career.

Here are 3 clubs that can sign him this January.


#3. Manchester United

Solkajer is lacking a creative outlet in the midfield.
Solkajer is lacking a creative outlet in the midfield.

The Red Devils are having a mixed season of sorts. They've been highly inconsistent and the absence of Paul Pogba in a number of matches have cost them huge. They do not have a creative playmaker apart from Pogba who can link up the midfield well with the attack. James Rodriguez will be a brilliant addition for Manchester United as he can be the creative outlet the team is currently lacking.

Ole Gunnar Solksjaer's team usually plays on the counter utilising the pace of Daniel James and Marcus Rashford on the wings. James can set up long balls for them on either flank on the counter with ease and he can hold the ball upfront well before finding an opening when the opposition is defending deep. James also has a good work rate and drops deep to collect the ball from the defence and initiate counter attacks. Overall, he fits into the missing block of the puzzle in the Manchester United lineup perfectly.

Can James link up with Rashford soon?
Can James link up with Rashford soon?

#2. Arsenal

Arteta is looking for reinforcements this winter
Arteta is looking for reinforcements this winter

Arsenal are on course to begin a new life under Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard was recently announced as the new man in charge of the Gunners and has already made some noticeable changes in the team. He has been assured that Arsenal board will give him some backing in the winter transfer market so that the team can increase its depth. James Rodriguez would fit the fast passing, the creative play style of football that Arteta is trying to implement.

It is kind of similar to what he played under Jupp Heynckes at Bayern Munich. Real Madrid, on the other hand, should not be causing many obstacles in a loan with an option to buy kind of deal which will benefit all the parties involved. Arteta, himself, being Spanish, will make things easier for the integration of James Rodriguez to the squad as they share a common language, should a move to The Emirates take place this winter.

#1. Everton

Carlo and James share a great relationship.
Carlo and James share a great relationship.

The club that tops the list is Everton. James Rodriguez played the best football of his life under Carlo Ancelotti who is now at Everton. He was the reason that the Colombian joined Bayern Munich on a loan deal in 2017 and the duo shares a brilliant bond between themselves. Ancelotti tried to bring James to Napoli this summer but the financial aspects of the deal were complicated and eventually, the move fell through. Don Carlo, who was appointed as Everton manager recently, wants a reunion once again and the gifted playmaker is his primary target this transfer window.

A reunion makes sense in every way as Carlo knows how to get the best out of James. Many sections of media are reporting Everton are preparing themselves for talks with Real Madrid on a possible transfer for James with an initial possible loan with a clause to make the move permanent in summer.

James at Bayern.
James at Bayern.

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Edited by S Chowdhury