Minnesota’s agreement with James represents a low-risk partnership.

The most favorable aspect of James Rodríguez’s agreement with Minnesota United is that it represents a low-risk arrangement for both parties. This highlights the advantages and disadvantages of what is evidently a partnership of convenience.

Rodríguez, aged 34, has entered into a six-month contract with the Loons, which includes a club option to extend through the 2026 season in the Twin Cities. Both parties seem to be fulfilling their respective needs. Rodríguez secures a professional setting to play and train in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he is anticipated to retain his crucial role for Colombia. For the first time in its history, Minnesota acquires a significant creative talent and a renowned player, which is sure to attract considerably more attention to the club both domestically and internationally.

This reality amplified the usual optimism that accompanies introductory press conferences. Rodríguez expressed his enthusiasm about joining the team, while sporting director Khaled El-Ahmad even made light of Minnesota’s famously frigid climate, something Rodríguez has not always appreciated in the past.

“I started telling James, ‘It’s beautiful weather, there are beaches here … We can take nice walks in Wayzata in your shorts,'” El-Ahmad remarked. “But back to the point, I keep discussing the group and football, and I’m thrilled that someone with such a prominent persona is like, ‘Actually, that’s what I want to be part of.'”

However, the temporary nature of the contract is a significant concern. The ability for either side to terminate the agreement quickly if circumstances do not improve indicates that neither party was willing to take significant risks.

This strategy aligns with Rodríguez’s pattern over the past eight years. The last time he spent more than 12 months at a single club was during his tenure with Bayern Munich from 2017 to 2019. Some of his stints have been more successful than others; he spent only six months with LaLiga’s Rayo Vallecano in the 2024-25 season, making just seven appearances. In 2025, he played more frequently for Liga MX’s León, participating in 31 matches during the 2025 Clausura and Apertura tournaments.

The reason for these brief tenures is evident: Rodríguez is a player of extremes.

Having the Colombian playmaker on your team means balancing his undeniable creativity and set-piece skills with the reality that your squad may effectively be defending with 10 players. A coach, in this case Cameron Knowles, must construct his team around Rodríguez — for better or worse. If past experiences are any indication, this dynamic often leads teams to grow tired and ultimately decide to part ways.

There are various instances in MLS history that suggest why such an approach might be effective. In 2022, LAFC signed Gareth Bale for four months — a timeframe similar to Rodríguez’s guaranteed stay in the league — ahead of the 2022 World Cup. He netted three goals in 13 appearances, with his final goal being a remarkable stoppage-time equalizer late in extra time of the 2022 MLS Cup final, which allowed the Black and Gold to win on penalties. More recently, Inter Miami CF constructed its roster around a brilliant No. 10 with limited defensive capabilities in Lionel Messi, culminating in last year’s impressive MLS Cup victory.

However, while there are parallels between these situations, there are also significant differences. Bale was a supplementary player in the LAFC lineup, not the focal point that Rodríguez is expected to be. In Messi’s case, Miami surrounded him with a talented group of players that compensated for his weaknesses and enabled him to excel.

Minnesota, a determined collection of competent professionals that finished fourth in the Western Conference last year, does not possess the same level of talent as the teams that featured Bale and Messi.

This leads to another challenge: tactical compatibility. Last year, Minnesota operated as a counterattacking team, as indicated by its league-low 39% possession rate. The Loons’ effectiveness on set pieces helped mitigate their lack of ball control, and Rodríguez should enhance that strength, but expecting him to spend significant time in a defensive role does not align with his strengths.

There has been discussion of Minnesota adopting a more expansive style this year, pressing higher up the pitch. This also seems to place considerable demands on a player like Rodríguez, who completed 90 minutes in less than half of his appearances with León.

When asked about how Rodríguez would integrate into Minnesota’s squad, El-Ahmad made all the appropriate comments, noting that he has been searching for a No. 10 since arriving in Minnesota just over two years ago. He also referenced Colombia’s style, with Rodríguez orchestrating the play.

“I’ve always stated that we are a group that is flexible and adaptable, and we consistently seek quality players, which is what we are bringing in today,” El-Ahmad said. “I believe the traits we possess will also support James. If you examine the Colombian national team, they are somewhat pragmatic, with fast players. They do aim to press, and I think that addition will be a valuable contribution to our efforts.

“So, at our core, who we are will not change. Will it evolve and adapt? I believe it does with every player we bring in, and I think we are both very eager for him to meet the team, begin training, and see how that evolves together rather than just sitting here and stating one thing. The one thing I will emphasize is that our identity is not to change drastically in any way.”

Rodríguez’s success with Colombia is indisputable, but it has not been easily replicated in recent times.

Additionally, there is the matter of the Loons’ long-term strategy. El-Ahmad suggested that the partnership could extend beyond this season, but considering Rodríguez’s history, that seems more like hopeful thinking. Will it be worthwhile to build around a player like Rodríguez for one season, only to shift direction a year later — if not sooner?

Rodríguez, El-Ahmad, and the rest of the team are banking on it — even if no one involved is committing too much of their resources to the endeavor.