The James Rodriguez Transfer to Bayern Munich is Official

On July 12, 2017, it became official. Midfielder James Rodriguez was transferred to Bayern Munich for two years with an option for a permanent transfer, subject to a medical. The transfer caps a tumultuous tenure for the Colombian with Real Madrid. Rodriguez signed with “Los Blancos,”  after his thrilling efforts in the 2014 World Cup. James’ “hinchas” envisioned his creativity meshing with strikers Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale, and Cristiano Ronaldo. But, while James’ scored 36 goals with 38 assists in 110 games, injuries and a new coach brought his tenure in La Liga to an end.

Zidane vs Rodriguez

In 2015, Rodriguez suffered an injury and when he returned to the pitch, he rarely started. After Zinedine Zidane replaced Rafa Benitez as team manager, James’ playing time decreased even more. Rumors began that James could be on the move during this year’s transfer season, but it’s surprising the Colombian footballer left one of the most popular clubs on the globe. Bayern Munich manager Carlo Ancelotti and Rodriguez will team up again in the Bundesliga. Ancelloti was the former Real Madrid director and one of James’ strongest proponents. It remains to be seen if the team will employ a 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 formation that seems to fit James’ style best.

Transfer Notes

Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: “We’re delighted we’ve been able to complete this transfer. Signing James Rodríguez was our coach Carlo Ancelotti’s biggest wish, following their successful spell working together in Madrid. “James is a very versatile player. He’s a goalscorer himself, he sets up a lot of goals and on top of that, he’s great from set-pieces. There’s no question that this transfer further increases the quality of our team.” James Rodriguez made his debut for Bayern wearing No. 11 on 7/19/2017 in Shanghai, China. Arsenal defeated Bayern on penalties in the International Champions Cup.