James Rodriguez is back in Europe. The Colombia captain who had a sensational Copa America 2024, is back in the top-flight league La Liga. The creative midfielder has joined Rayo Vallecano on a free transfer. The club announced his arrival on Monday. He has returned after four years long gap to the Spanish league. It will be the 33-year-old’s second stint in the Spanish capital. He previously played for Real Madrid from 2014 and 2020.
The Colombian international gained immense popularity after the 2014 World Cup. Real Madrid signed right ahead of the World Cup in the summer window from AS Monaco where he shined in 34 games scoring 9 goals for the French club. For the Spanish Giants he featured in 135 games scoring 37 goals and assisting 42 times for the Los Blancos.
Then for two seasons, he was loaned out to Bayern Munich from 2017 to 2019. He made 67 appearances for the Bavarians. James Rodriguez had 15 goals and 20 assists to his name. Then after spending a season back at Santiago Bernabeu, he was transferred to Premier League club Everton. He played under Carlo Ancelotti and made 26 appearances scoring six times and having 8 assists to his name.
James Rodriguez will be a game-changer or an overrated disappointment
After spending four seasons outside the top 5 leagues he has returned for a redemption. Will his signing be the Maradona for Napoli or end up a disappointment? James Rodriguez has the chance to become the superstar for the minnow La Liga club just like Diego Maradona turned out for Napoli and earned them the Serie A title. It will be a test for the South American footballer after playing outside the top 5 leagues.
However, he has shown the world in the Copa America 2024, that he still possesses the same quality and led his side to the final losing against 1-0 Argentina. The attacking midfielder was named as the Player of the Tournament in the quadrennial football tournament. Can we see a James Rodriguez 2.0 in La Liga? Time will clear out everything when he takes on the field.
