Rumored Inter Miami target James Rodriguez has made a surprise transfer decision just a few days after losing to Lionel Messi’s Argentina at the Copa America.
The Colombian international was one of the best players at this summer’s tournament as Rodriguez captained Los Cafeteros to the final in Miami, with the 33-year-old attacking midfielder scoring once and assisting six throughout the competition.
With the Herons linked with a move for Rodriguez, the former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich star would be quite the addition for the Florida franchise alongside Messi, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets, as well as an immediate fan favorite given the huge Colombian population in Miami.
And Rodriguez has now made quite a surprising transfer decision.
Rodriguez set to become a free-agent amid Inter Miami links
According to Fabrizio Romano, Rodriguez will become a free-agent after mutually agreeing with his club, Sao Paulo, to terminate his contract, opening up the door for a move this summer.
Romano posted: “James Rodriguez, set to be available as free agent terminating his contract by mutual agreement with São Paulo. He’s set to part ways with the club after excellent Copa America. James would love to return to European football.”
Whilst a move to Europe is the most likely outcome for Rodriguez, Inter Miami could feel they have a chance of landing the playmaker this summer if they were to make an early offer for the Colombian.
Indeed, Rodriguez would fit the superstar profile of signing Inter Miami are now pressured to make, and the prospect of playing alongside Messi, even after the Copa America, could be a tempting one for the 33-year-old.
Herons need to make a move for Rodriguez as soon as possible
Rodriguez showed at the Copa America that he is good enough to play at the highest level in Europe, yet after some years away, whether or not clubs will be willing to take a chance on the attacking midfielder is always a potential outcome.
And for Inter Miami, they have to establish themselves early on as suitors for Rodriguez, who could be swayed to join the MLS side given the size of the project Tata Martino is currently building.
It might not be a return to Europe, but it would be a new challenge for Rodriguez, and a spell in America and in Miami could greatly appealing for the former Madrid star.