James Rodriguez’s future is fast becoming one of the biggest transfer sagas of the summer. The Colombian’s resolve to engineer a move away from Real Madrid strengthened even further after suffering the humiliation of being left out of their squad for the Champions League final, and a host of Premier League clubs are ready to end his misery. When he moved to the Bernabeu after the 2014 World Cup, he did so as the Golden Boot winner and one of Europe’s most talented playmakers. But each year his Galactico tag has diminished, his game time reduced and his goals dried up.

Nevertheless, he still scored or assisted every 84 minutes in La Liga last season, and his bracket of Bernabeu banishment feels as much of a potential error as the decisions to allow the likes of Arjen Robben, Gonzalo Higuain and Xabi Alonso to leave. Wherever he goes, though, he will need to be loved.

Colombia boss Jose Pekerman was keen to stress that very point on Tuesday. ‘He has tried to be happy but he needs to feel fulfilled and supported, he has lacked this support when he needed it.

James Rodriguez stats and facts

22 La Liga appearances in 2016/17
8 goals
6 assists
89% pass completion
64% shot accuracy
9 major trophies – Primeira Liga x 3, 2010/11 Portuguese Cup, 2010/11 Europa League (all with Porto), 2016/17 La Liga, 2015/16 Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup x 2 (all with Real Madrid)
Personal awards: 2013/14 Monaco Player of the Year, 2014 World Cup Golden Boot, 2014 Puskas award

James Rodriguez's La Liga season

Games played 22
Goals scored 8
Assists 6
A host of clubs are reportedly ready to give him the home – and starting berth – he craves, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal all keen. But Rodriguez will need to give serious consideration to which of those clubs best suits his style of play and can guarantee him the game time – and status – that his talent befits. So where should he go?… read more and cast a vote https://africanscope.com.ng/chelsea-manchester-united-arsenal-james-rodriguez-join-summer/