In what looks set to be a summer of transfer surprises, Bayern Munich have pulled off the shock signing of Real Madrid attacking midfielder James Rodríguez. The Colombian international has joined the Bundesliga champions on a two-year loan deal, though the Bavarian outfit have the option to make the move permanent if all goes well.
Bayern Munich complete shock James Rodríguez loan swoop
The Colombian international has joined the Bavarian club on a two-year loan deal.
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
It means he’s once again joining forces with incumbent Bayern coach Carlo Ancelotti, who he also played under at Madrid. According to chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, quoted on Bayern’s official website, James was Ancelotti’s top target. But what else is interesting in this deal? Let’s take a look.
Real Madrid have let James go cheaply
James looked set to push on and establish himself as one of the world’s very best players after his incredible performances at the World Cup in Brazil three years ago. But, alas, it never really clicked for the Colombian at Real Madrid, and in his final season at the Bernabéu, Zinedine Zidane handed him only 13 league starts. It’s clear that the Spanish side wanted rid of their pricey benchwarmer, and it shows in the numbers:
Assuming James is able to force his way into the Bayern first team and recover some of his very best form, €35 million would be an exceptionally small transfer fee for Bayern to pay — even bearing the €10m loan figure in mind too. This is a pretty low-risk gamble for the Bavarians, but one that could pay serious dividends. They’re sure to be very satisfied with their work.
Bayern have some serious competition for places
However, there is really no guarantee that James will be able to establish himself as a world class player. Though he’s sure to welcome the prospect of a fresh start, the fact remains that the last couple of seasons have been disappointing ones. That Madrid have been willing to let him go so cheaply is certainly telling.
What’s more, he joins a Bayern team pretty well-stocked in midfield. Though James is versatile — capable of playing both out on the left and through the centre — the Bavarians have some serious competition for starting spots.
Deep in midfield, Sebastian Rudy and Corentin Tolisso have joined this summer from Hoffenheim and Lyon respectively; they’ll do battle with the likes of Arturo Vidal, Thiago, and Renato Sanches for minutes. Out wide, Franck Ribéry and Arjen Robben may be ageing, but Thomas Müller is still only 27, and youngsters Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman are waiting in the wings. James certainly shouldn’t expect to waltz into the team.
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