- Manchester United have been linked with James Rodriguez as a backup for Bruno Fernandes.
- Rodriguez has a year left on his Real Madrid contract and has been linked with Everton as well.
Manchester United are eyeing James Rodriguez as a potential backup option for Bruno Fernandes, according to reports.Rodriguez looks set to leave Santiago Bernabeu this summer, with Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane not a big fan of the midfielder.
There is no denying that James Rodriguez is a talented player. Having joined Real Madrid from Monaco in 2014 for a fee of £63 million, he enjoyed a good first season in Spain under Carlo Ancelotti.However, Ancelotti’s departure and Zidane’s arrival made him surplus to requirements. He went on loan to Bayern Munich in 2017 for two seasons, where despite performing well, the Bundesliga giants decided not to sign him on a permanent transfer.This season has seen him play a bit-part role at Real Madrid. With just a year left on his contract, the Colombia international can leave for a fee of £23 million.
Manchester United’s interest is understandable. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men looked rejuvenated post the arrival of Bruno Fernandes in January. The Portugal international, who cost Manchester United £47 million from Sporting CP, has completely transformed the Red Devils. His creativity, confidence and eye for goal helped Manchester United finish third in the Premier League.
The club are aware that reinforcements are needed, as Fernandes cannot be expected to play every game at the highest level possible. The 29-year-old Rodriguez would provide some much needed creativity and quality off the bench. Capable of playing as an attacking midfielder as well as a winger, Manchester United could utilise his versatility well.
Given that the club’s primary transfer target, Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho, would cost in excess of £100 million, a move for Rodriguez would make sense financially. The other player linked with a move to Manchester United who occupies a similar position is Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish.
Given that Villa narrowly escaped relegation this season, they would demand an astronomical fee from Manchester United for their talisman.
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