James Rodriguez’s Real Madrid Future in Doubt
Both Manchester clubs are on alert at the moment with reports in Spain stating that Real Madrid are running out of patience with James Rodriguez.
The Colombian playmaker was Real’s big signing of 2014 after a breakout performance at the World Cup in Brazil that summer, but in two seasons with the club, the former Monaco man has failed to set the world alight. According to a report in Sport, the club are seriously considering cutting their losses and selling him.
James enjoyed a spectacular first season at the club with 13 goals and 13 assists in La Liga. However, after falling out with the recently fired Rafa Benitez, the 24-year-old has yet to win a place in Zinedine Zidane’s team.
A separate report in the Express suggests James’ agent, Jorge Mendes, has already held a meeting with Manchester United regarding a potential deal.
Word in Madrid has it that the club are not happy with James’ attitude in training, and that too many late nights out have contributed to his dip in form this season. Comparisons have been drawn to Mesut Ozil, another player who was said to have enjoyed the Madrid nightlife a bit too much for his own good. Ozil was eventually sold to Arsenal.
Last month, James was forced to hit back after Colombian journalist Ivan Meija called his professionalism into question.
“The talk really p***** me off. My people know how I act and that I always seek to take care of myself,” James said. “I’m a professional. What’s been said about me going out a lot at night is a lie.”
Despite his inconsistency, James has eight assists and four goals in 16 appearances this season. But word behind the scenes has it that club president Florentino Perez is a bit bent out of shape over James seeking a pay raise even as his form has fallen off significantly from last season.
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