Recent reports suggest that James Rodríguez, the free-agent Colombia midfielder, could be on the verge of a return to Madrid, with Rayo Vallecano showing keen interest in signing him. The LaLiga club, located in the Vallecas neighborhood of Madrid, has been actively pursuing the player, who was named the best player of the Copa América tournament this summer.
Rayo Vallecano sees Rodríguez as the perfect star to ignite excitement among their fan base as they gear up for their centenary celebrations. The player, who previously represented Real Madrid from 2014 to 2020, is reportedly open to the idea of returning to the city and has indicated his approval of a potential deal with Vallecano, even if it means accepting a reduced salary.
However, one of the main hurdles in finalizing the move is LaLiga's financial regulations. Vallecano has been working diligently to meet the necessary requirements, but resolving the economic aspects of the deal has proven challenging given the advanced stage of the transfer window.
Sources close to Rodríguez have hinted that negotiations with Vallecano are in the advanced stages, although the club has not confirmed this development. The midfielder spent the previous season with São Paulo but opted not to extend his contract with the Brazilian club.
Following his departure from Real Madrid, Rodríguez has had stints with Bayern Munich on loan, Everton, Al Rayyan, and Olympiacos, showcasing his versatility and experience across different leagues. His standout performance at the recent Copa América, where he registered a tournament-record six assists, further underscores his value as a top-tier playmaker.
As the potential reunion between Rodríguez and Madrid looms, fans and pundits alike await further updates on the evolving situation, with Rayo Vallecano emerging as a surprising contender for the talented midfielder's signature.