James Rodriguez has been on Inter Miami’s radar for what feels like forever, and the Herons could now have their best chance yet at signing the Colombian.
As per Fabrizio Romano, the 33-year-old attacking midfielder is now officially a free-agent after Rodriguez’s contract with Rayo Vallecano was terminated, with the former Real Madrid star making just seven appearances with the La Liga side.
With the January transfer window now here, Rodriguez will be a highly-sought-after target for many top sides, with Inter Miami one of the clubs interested in signing the South American veteran as part of Javier Mascherano’s squad overhaul.
And Inter Miami are now aware of which clubs they will have to rival this January for Rodriguez.
READ MORE: Inter Miami told they can sign Argentina international for free – Javier Mascherano is a fan
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Boca Juniors and River Plate to compete for James Rodriguez
According to Michael Rincon, Argentine giants Boca Juniors and River Plate are both interested in signing Rodriguez, with Colombian side Junior FC also in the mix to rival Inter Miami for the former Bayern Munich attacking midfielder.
Rincon wrote: “As anticipated, James Rodriguez is officially a free-agent. The no. 10 of Colombian has just been given his freedom letter. FC Junior and Inter Miami are interested in the player. Watch out for Boca, who has been following him for several transfer markets, River can also get involved.”
Although Inter Miami fans are not too keen on the potential signing of Rodriguez, the Colombian becoming a free-agent is a huge boost for the Herons in their bid to add a superstar name to their roster this January.
And given how big a name Rodriguez is in the Latin world and in places like Florida, Inter Miami could be wise to move for the 33-year-old as a new addition this January, especially with the FIFA Club World Cup coming up.
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Do Inter Miami need a player like Rodriguez this January?
Ask any Inter Miami fan what the transfer priority should be this January, most supporters would agree that central defense is the key area that needs top signings, especially with Nicolas Freire’s loan deal coming to an end.
Yet given Rodriguez’s huge profile and the playmaker showing last summer at the Copa America how good he can be in the right environment, Inter Miami will be within their right to take a gamble on the veteran superstar for the new MLS season.
Indeed, playing with Lionel Messi and fellow legends from the continent could get the best out of Rodriguez, and playing in Florida could help the attacking midfielder settle and adapt to life in MLS.