Juventus could be planning a big-money transfer for Bayern Mnucih’s James Rodriguez for this summer’s transfer window. Per Italian radio station Rai Sport (via tz), the Serie A giants are keen on acquiring the Colombian to pair him in their attack with Cristiano Ronaldo and are supposedly willing to pay upwards of €70m.
It’s also speculated that James’s agent, Jorge Mendes, could also use sponsorship deals with Adidas as a part of the deal. Adidas is the kit sponsor for both Juventus and Bayern, and the Paul Pogba deal was rumored to have been closed with a similar incentive from the company. It’s also worth mentioning that Mendes is Ronaldo’s agent too, and that Ronaldo is apparently encouraging Juventus to push the move through and reunite with his former Real Madrid teammate.
The timing of this news is part of what gives it some potential leverage, given James’s frustration at not getting as many minutes as he would’ve liked in the opening matches of the season under Niko Kovac. The Colombian has denied speculation that he’s unhappy at Bayern and with Niko Kovac in particular, but his demeanor and body language on the pitch seem to suggest otherwise. Arguably, he looked far more confident playing for Colombia against the United States during this international break than he has all season for Bayern, as well.
Options for Bayern
The primary concern for Bayern regarding James for some time now has been whether or not they will trigger his buyout clause after his two-year loan spell expires next summer, or if they would sell him back to Real Madrid. Now, adding in Juventus’s €70m proposition could certainly change the way Bayern approach their business this summer. If things don’t improve individually for James this season, it’s likely that he’ll do everything in his power to move to either Madrid or Juventus, which would give Bayern the luxury of choosing the most financially lucrative offer. On the other hand Bayern could also toy with their asking price if James is able to turn his fortunes around this season, but still wants to move elsewhere.
Regardless of what ultimately winds up happening next summer, James is in desperate need of a good run of matches to turn his (and Bayern’s) fortunes around. Next up for Bayern is a trip to VfL Wolfsburg followed by a trip to Greece to take on AEK Athens in the Champions League. Two wins is a must from those to matches.