Back in 2014, soon after the World Cup, when Real Madrid started taking interest in the Colombian James Rodriguez, Florentino Perez was asked, if there were any Galacticos lined up for the forthcoming season. Perez was of the belief that not many Galacticos were available in the then market.
As it played out, James Rodriguez, the emerging Galactico did end up coming to Real Madrid. The then 23-year-old lit up the Santiago Bernabeu over the course of the two seasons, without ever cementing a starting place. While the Colombian is rightly frustrated at the lack of first-team action, he has been patient as well.
Now, it seems that his patience is running out.
If reports are to be believed, Italian estate agency Porto Group Ltd., have said that they are working on behalf of the Colombian international to help him relocate to Turin. Turin is the hometown of current Serie A Champions, Juventus, and one can put the two and two together and imagine the possibility of Rodriguez donning the black and white colours of Juventus next season.
The estate agency which also boasts of clientele such as footballers Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, come with a reputation for catering to their client’s demands and it seems they have found the right home for the Colombian star, in Turin.
Rodriguez came on as a substitute in the opening league game against Real Sociedad and provided the assist for Gareth Bale to score the third and final goal.
Doesn’t fit into Zidane’s tactics
The Colombia scored 17 times in 43 appearances in his first season, but the 25-year-old only made 13 league starts last season, having been out of favour with the previous and current coaches, Benitez and Zidane.
Zidane who favours a 4-3-3 formation, has been unable to accommodate the Colombian in the starting line-up and it has been communicated to him that he will have to settle for a role on the substitute’s bench.
The Colombian, who moved to Madrid for €80 Million, would have expected a much more favourable term, but the current form of Morata and Kovacic, as well as the emergence of Marco Asensio and Casemiro, has prevented him from breaking into the squad.
Juventus are front-runners for his signature
Playing time has been a concern for James and it is believed that in a Juventus side looking to adopt a different playing style after the loss of Paul Pogba, would have space in their ranks for the Colombian star.
The Italian champions have already signed Gonzalo Higuain, Miralem Pjanic, Marko Pjaca, Mario Lemina and Dani Alves, and if reports are to be believed, French international Blaise Matuidi may also be on his way to the club.
The addition of Rodriguez to their ranks will increase their attacking options further.
