Real Madrid are clear about their stance on James Rodriguez. He is non-transferable, or simply put, not for sale. The club will not even be entertaining any offers for him as they consider the Colombian one of the key players for the future.
The 24-year-old superstar was bought from French side AS Monaco for a transfer fee of 80 million euros after his stellar 2014 World Cup where he ended up with the Golden boot, including the goal of the tournament which he scored against Uruguay in the round of 16. He later went on to win the FIFA Puskas Award which is given for the most beautiful goal in the year for that strike.
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He had a stunning debut season at the Bernabeu individually as he recorded 17 goals and also set up 18 others for his teammates. But after Ancelotti’s departure, James has found it tough to break into the first team under Benitez and now Zinedine Zidane as well. This has come in for criticism from former players like Faustino Asprilla of Colombia.
With the front three of ‘BBC’ Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo firing on all cylinders, he has found the going tough. Even when one of the triumvirate is out injured, Zidane has preferred Spanish youngster Lucas Vazquez for his industrious nature, rather than James.
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This has put Rodriguez way down the pecking order and reports suggest that he has asked for a meeting with the club directors to discuss his future, soon after the Champions League final on May 28th.
However, club president Florentino Perez is unwilling to listen to any offers or transfer requests even though he has courted interest from the top clubs in Europe like Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United, who are willing to splash the cash for his services.
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Current coach Zidane also believes in the potential of Rodriguez and wants him to stay put so that he can start afresh next season and perform for the team at the level that is expected of him. Asked recently about the lack of playing time James is receiving Zidane said, “I don't see any problems with James — he is an important player.”
In this injury hit campaign, he has managed to notch up just eight goals in 20 appearances, with eight assists as well. Zidane and Perez though have made it evident. They want Rodriguez to remain at the capital.
However, it remains to be seen if the Colombian agrees to continue.
