Minnesota United is in the process of finalizing an agreement to acquire Colombia international forward James Rodríguez, a source has confirmed to ESPN.
If Rodríguez completes the signing, he will not occupy a designated player slot, and the arrangement will be short-term, extending at least through this summer’s World Cup.
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Rodríguez, 34, has been without a club since December when his contract with Liga MX team León came to an end. Consequently, he is seeking a new team to maintain his form ahead of the World Cup.
Minnesota aims to adopt a more expansive approach under new head coach Cameron Knowles, and Rodríguez’s creativity would contribute to this objective. His proficiency in set pieces would also enhance what was a strong aspect of Minnesota’s play last season.
The conclusion of his tenure with León marked the end of yet another chapter in what has been a peripatetic club career in recent years.
Since a two-year loan from 2017 to 2019 with Bayern Munich, Rodríguez has played for Everton, Al Rayyan, Olympiacos, São Paulo, Rayo Vallecano, and León. Last season, he recorded three goals and two assists in 14 matches with the Mexican side.
However, it is on the international stage where Rodríguez continues to excel.
He earned the Golden Ball at the 2024 Copa América, netting one goal and providing six assists while guiding Colombia to the final, where they were narrowly defeated by Argentina, 1-0.
In total, Rodríguez has made 122 appearances for Colombia, scoring 31 goals. He is anticipated to remain Colombia’s primary attacking option at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. He previously secured the Golden Boot at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, scoring six goals and contributing two assists during Colombia’s journey to the quarterfinals.
Rodríguez began his professional journey in Colombia with Envigado before transferring to Argentine club Banfield in 2008. He subsequently played for several of the world’s most renowned clubs, including Porto, AS Monaco, and Real Madrid.
The Athletic was the first to report on the advanced discussions between Rodríguez and the Loons.
