Real Madrid attacking midfielder James Rodriguez is set to stay at the Bernabeu this January following Gareth Bale’s injury during the match against Sporting Lisbon last Tuesday.
The player’s situation at Real has attracted attention from top Premier League clubs including the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Tottenham, so far. However, they will now have to wait till the summer of 2017 to sign the player who is not available for transfer this January.
Rodriguez failed to establish himself in the first-team on a regular basis under manager Zinedine Zidane. He has slipped down the pecking order at the Bernabeu and if reports are to be believed then the relationship between the player and manager Zidane has hit rock bottom.
The Colombian International is behind Bale and Isco in the pecking order and is frustrated with the lack of game time in the club. The same has been noticed by the English giants who are keen on signing him this winter. While Real were ready to listen to offers for the 25-year-old earlier, Bale’s injury has meant that they could now replace the Welshman with Isco making a place for Rodriguez as the Spaniard’s backup.
Also read: Zinedine Zidane says James Rodriguez will stay at the club and play more
Bale is set to be out of action for the rest of 2016 and is expected to be back in the field by next February after he sustained an injury to his peroneal tendons. The Welsh international will be undergoing surgery in London next Tuesday and will be missing out on the El Clasico against Barcelona on 3rd December and Champions League showdown against Borussia Dortmund four days later, which Real need to win to finish top of Group F.
In such a situation Real will be reluctant to allow the Colombian to leave this January and it seems highly likely for the player to move to England next summer.
Rodriguez joined Real Madrid in 2014 from Monaco in a deal worth £55m. A versatile footballer, who can play in several positions across the midfield, Rodriguez is known for his pace, technical skills, vision and his ability to create chances for his team-mates. Often compared to Colombian footballer Carlos Valderrama, Rodriguez is a goal threat from anywhere in the field.
However, he has only made 11 appearances for Zidane’s side this season and was left on the bench during the Champions League match against Sporting Lisbon. A chance to play regular first-team football at the Bernabeu will be a welcome change for the 25-year-old.
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