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Rumors have swirled around James Rodriguez and his relationship with Real Madrid and Zinedine Zidane in particular since Bayern stunned their fans by signing him on loan this past summer. Now, according to SportBild (via TZ), Bayern Munich have decided that they will exercise their unilateral option to purchase James Rodriguez for €42m.
Según 'SportBild' el #FCBayern se plantea comprar el pase de James Rodríguez este mes de junio. El colombiano está cedido por el Real Madrid. ( @cfbayern) pic.twitter.com/fftpMwicZi
— Fútbol Total (@FT_Total) February 14, 2018
The headline in SportBild’s print edition is clear: “Bayern’s new darling!” James’s loan contract with Bayern runs until 2019, but Bayern now appear ready to activate their option before allowing the unsettled question to drag on.
Board member and former minister president of Bavaria Edmund Stoiber told SportBild,
I would not veto the motion, if concerning him it was to exercise the option to buy him.
Given James’s performances this season, that seems like the obvious decision.
This @JamesDRodriguez goal was ______? ⚽ ⚽ #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/D2tQgYAtvs
— FC Bayern US (@FCBayernUS) February 6, 2018
The move will undoubtedly put a damper on speculation that James may one day return to Madrid. He is reportedly very happy living in Munich.
On the eve of Real Madrid’s clash with PSG, James also reportedly told friends in Madrid that he hopes that Real and Bayern Madrid will ultimately face one another later in the Champions League, tipping Madrid to beat PSG in the round of 16.