James Rodríguez set to join Minnesota United – Seventh club since 2020

Former Real and Bayern star 

Minnesota United are in advanced talks to sign James Rodríguez. Transfermarkt can confirm an initial report by Colombian transfer specialist Pipe Sierra and The Athletic that the two camps are in talks. Although an agreement is likely, there are still hurdles to clear before Minnesota can sign the Colombian star midfielder.

James has been a free agent since he left Club León in December. The Liga MX club signed the 34-year-old playmaker on a free transfer from Rayo Vallecano in January 2025. James managed five goals and nine assists in 34 games across all competitions for Léon. Léon signed James for the FIFA Club World Cup, but the Liga MX club was banned from the competition due to multiple-club ownership ties.

Club Léon was just the latest chapter in James’ colorful club career. After playing for European giants Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, James bounced around several clubs, turning out for Everton, Al-Rayyan, Olympiacos, São Paulo, Rayo Vallecano, and León. Minnesota United would be the seventh club since 2020. But since graduating from the Banfield academy, James has remained prolific, scoring 127 goals and 161 assists in 516 club games.

James to Minnesota United: Remains crucial for Colombia

Although he has at times lacked consistency for his club teams in recent years, James has been tremendous for Colombia. James was crucial for Colombia as he led his country to the 2024 Copa América final, where they lost narrowly to Lionel Messi’s Argentina (5-4 on pens). Overall, James has scored 31 goals in 122 games for Colombia and remains his country’s biggest star. That last part isn’t a factor that should be underestimated. James’ star power alone could make the midfielder a worthy investment for the Loons.