Report: James Rodriguez wants to return to Real Madrid

Per a report by Marca, James Rodriguez is considering a return to Real Madrid. Zinedine Zidane, who had trouble finding time for James on the pitch, is no longer at the helm of the squad, which may be triggering interest by both parties.

James Rodríguez is considering a return to Real Madrid. Real Madrid considers the possible return of the Colombian, who is assigned to Bayern Munich until June 30, 2019 with a purchase option by the German team and no possible escape for the return to which was his team for three seasons.

Ah, but the pesky details like needing a release clause to return may hinder any desire James has for a return to Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

If in the end, they desire one another (James Rodriguez and Florentino Pérez), as is specified, Real Madrid should negotiate an agreement with Bayern. The German club has already expressed its desire to make use of the option to buy when the assignment ends on June 30, 2019. When (Bayern) made that statement, the situation at Real Madrid was quite another, with Zidane on the white bench. Julen Lopetegui believes that he is a more than profitable player and that he could perform at Real Madrid.

The contract for James actually runs two seasons past the end of his loan in 2019, which could play a part in James pondering a return. With Zidane gone and Ronaldo no longer absorbing all of the spotlight in Madrid, the environment may be more appealing to James than it was even a year ago.

Before signing the assignment for two seasons to Bayern, Real Madrid and James signed a new contract, which would end on June 30, 2021, two years after the end of the loan period to the Bavarian team.

The report also noted, however, that Bayern is happy is James and seemingly the feelings are mutual with James.

The Bayern leaders are more than satisfied with what was offered by the ex-Real Madrid. In fact, (Karl-Heinz) Rummenigge publicly thanked Carlo Ancelotti for insisting on the signing of the Colombian. The attacking midfielder scored eight goals and 14 assists in his 39 matches with Bayern last season. Nico Kovač, current coach of the Bavarian team, has not ruled on the future of a James Rodriguez who has turned 27 today. What nobody doubts is that the Colombian has had a great season at Bayern and that only injuries have prevented him from making a great World Cup with Colombia.

The report seemingly burst from nowhere as both James and Bayern have repeatedly expressed admiration for one another; and while it seems very unlikely that Bayern would release James to return to Real Madrid, the deep discussion over how to better balance and stabilize Bayern’s midfield-heavy roster may open some doors, particularly if James truly wants to leave.

We had previously heard whispers about James being depressed when he first arrived in Munich and subsequently about a possible move to Manchester United that was later scoffed at, but any undercurrent of a return to Real Madrid was absent over the course of last season. Zidane’s departure, however, may have reignited any flame James still has for Madrid.