Last LaLiga appearance in November
©IMAGO
In the summer, James Rodríguez led Colombia to the final of the Copa América, but in the Spanish league things are not going well for the former Bayern professional. Now the contract with Rayo Vallecano, where the 33-year-old attacking midfielder moved barely more than four months ago, is to be terminated. According to consistent media reports, the parties are close to reaching a conclusion. Rodríguez can then join a new club for free.
The working paper in Madrid would have been valid until the end of the season. According to “Marca”, Rodríguez, who would have been entitled to a salary of 1.2 million euros until the summer, is worried about the 2026 World Cup given his limited playing time. The most expensive Colombian came for Rayo, who also wanted to say goodbye on their own initiative Football history has only been used once in the league and the cup in the last two months.
In LaLiga, including his last appearance on November 8th, he only played six games – only one from the start. He only managed to contribute to a goal in the cup, his last appearance for Rayo in December with an assist against third division team Unionistas CF. Where Rodríguez might end up is still unknown. According to media reports, the number of interested parties is not small.
Rodríguez’s market value has fallen consistently over the past six and a half years. Only after his departure from Real Madrid and a good start at Everton FC in the 2020/21 season did the curve briefly show an upward trend again. Of his career high at Real – 80 million euros, which he achieved again at FC Bayern after a temporary downturn – today only 2.5 million euros remain. After his time at Everton, a one-year stint in Qatar and a disappointing stint at Olympiacos Piraeus had a particularly significant impact on the market value. Before moving to Rayo, Rodríguez was active in Brazil for São Paulo FC for another year.