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According to a report by Spanish outlet Marca, Bayern Munich midfielder James Rodriguez has informed the club that he would like to leave Bavaria this summer.
James has already told Bayern that he prefers not to continue there next season. However, he is aware that the club has the last word, as that is the deal that was signed. If the Bavarian entity decides to execute the purchase option before June 15, it will pay the 42 million euros and then the Colombian must stay.
Marca also dished on why James has seemingly made up his mind to leave Munich.
The Colombian is not comfortable with Kovac and the coach does not seem to be with the player; the facts are clear. After the Christmas return, it has been two games and two substitutions. Being on the bench the first time seemed logical after being injured a little over a month and a half. However, not starting at home against Stuttgart has been another setback for the player.
If this story follows the path of other similar reports in the past, both Bayern and James will issue some sort of public statement with the club bellowing something to the effect of “That’s not our style, we are planning a future that includes James”, while the player will typically state that he is happy with Bayern and loves the fans.
BFW Analysis
It has not been a banner season for James thus far. The 27-year-old has battled injuries and off-the-field issues that have created enough news to at least be considered a mild distraction for both the player and club.
While many Bayern fans have vocally supported James during his extended spell on the bench, it is fair to wonder if all of the hoopla is even worth it. The Colombian star has been in-and-out of trade rumors for a year now and may just need a change of scenery to achieve happiness on-and-off the field.
As always, however, reports out of Spain sometimes tend to have a Real Madrid-lean to them and certainly Los Blancos would benefit from a return of James to its roster. This may not be Don Balol-worthy, but it’s safe to look at it with at least a little bit of skepticism, while acknowledging there are some real issues between James and the team at this stage of the season.