{"id":1092528,"date":"2019-06-06T18:05:39","date_gmt":"2019-06-06T17:05:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?p=1092528"},"modified":"2019-06-06T18:18:20","modified_gmt":"2019-06-06T17:18:20","slug":"james-rodriguez-dream-realistic-wildcard-options","status":"publish","type":"features","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/james-rodriguez-dream-realistic-wildcard-options\/","title":{"rendered":"James Rodriguez’s next club? We rated the dream, realistic & wildcard options"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bayern Munich have confirmed James Rodriguez will leave the club when his two-year loan deal from Real Madrid expires at the end of the month.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Bavarians have decided against the option to make the Colombian’s temporary stint a permanent one, after the 27-year-old playmaker signed for the five-time European champions ahead of the 2017\/18 season.<\/p>\n

His maiden campaign proved highly successful as he clinched a spot in the Bundesliga Team of the Season, thriving under treble-winning coach Jupp Heynckes, but under Niko Kovac in 2018\/19 he fell short of expectations.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/audioboom.com\/posts\/7278637-klopp-must-solve-wenger-s-dilemma-to-take-liverpool-forward<\/p>\n

After a tentative start to his\u00a0tenure, Kovac\u00a0managed to transform Bayern’s season as they pipped Borussia Dortmund to the Bundesliga title. However, despite a late resurgence, the Bavarian powerhouse will likely experience a busy summer.<\/p>\n

A number of established players have already waved goodbye, including Franck Ribery and\u00a0Arjen Robben, and now James will join them at the Allianz Arena exit door. But where could he end up next?<\/p>\n

Below are six contenders to become his next destination; two dream options, two realistic choices, and two wildcard selections.<\/p>\n

Dream: Juventus or Real Madrid<\/strong><\/h2>\n

There is no harm in having too many good players. However, it hasn’t always worked out well for Real Madrid, and James can attest to that fact.<\/p>\n

The Colombian has so far played his best football in Madrid, bagging 36 goals while carving out 40 assists in 111 appearances \u2013 finishing off what he started in Spain could be an appealing option for the midfielder.<\/p>\n

Real, no matter their position in the Spanish league table, remain among the elite. For some, including James himself, they are the biggest show in town. If you make it there you’re likely to go down in history.<\/p>\n

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And so, after a tumultuous season at the Bernabeu, a fired-up James could be exactly what Los Blancos need, he won’t cost them a penny and we know he’s capable of consistent world class performances, but more importantly so does president Florentino Perez.<\/p>\n

Juventus have also emerged as a possible destination, with the Old Lady set for a busy summer themselves.\u00a0Massimiliano Allegri will step down as manager after five years in Turin, and Chelsea boss\u00a0Maurizio Sarri looks destined for the hotseat<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Should a move for the Italian come to fruition, then James could prove the perfect player to help fluidly transition his ideas – something he struggled to do in west London. The Colombian would be the ideal attack-minded mezzala – similar to\u00a0Marek Hamsik at Napoli – who could spearhead attacks from midfield and dictate the centre of the park.<\/p>\n

The 27-year-old would also link up with Cristiano Ronaldo, a player he knows well from his time in Madrid, not to mention he would be bringing a vast European pedigree to Serie A, having won the Champions League twice with Real.<\/p>\n

Squawka suggests: Juventus<\/strong><\/p>\n

While the fairytale story would be for James to return to Madrid and finish off what he started, the likelihood is\u00a0Zinedine Zidane won’t change his stance; if he didn’t fancy him during his previous tenure, he probably won’t fancy him now. Reports<\/a> have already emerged suggesting\u00a0Ronaldo wants James to join him in Turin, and with both players sharing the same agent, Jorge Mendes, this potential transfer could have some serious legs.<\/p>\n