Ex-Real Madrid star James Rodriguez in talks over bizarre MLS transfer

Tom Weber

• 3 Feb 2026 14:15 CST
• 4 min read

News

Former Real Madrid attacker James Rodriguez is in talks over a shock move to Minnesota United.

The Colombian superstar is currently a free agent after embarking on a veritable world tour. Since leaving Monaco for Real Madrid on the back of his performances at the 2014 World Cup, Rodriguez has played in Germany, England, Qatar, Greece, Brazil and Mexico.

His most recent stint at Club Leon in Mexico came to an end after less than a year, continuing a trend of short-term moves. He has not remained at a club for more than 12 months since his spectacular transfer from Real Madrid to Everton in 2020.

Despite his struggles to find a long-term home at the club level, the 34-year-old has continued to be an eminently important player for his country. Rodriguez was sensational at the 2024 Copa America, which earned him a move back to LaLiga with Rayo Vallecano.

With the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico on the horizon, Rodriguez needs to find a new club. Reports have suggested that he has offered himself to sides in Argentina, but it seems that he could be on the verge of a sensational move to MLS.

Rodriguez in talks with Minnesota

According to The Athletic, the veteran attacking midfielder is in talks over a transfer to Minnesota United. This would be a spectacular and frankly bizarre deal for several reasons.

With all due respect to Teemu Pukki, Rodriguez would be the biggest star to play for Minnesota in the franchise's nine-year MLS history. However, it would be an odd lifestyle choice from the Colombian.

Rodriguez previously admitted that he was unhappy during his loan stint at Bayern Munich because of the weather in Germany, so he will be in for a rude surprise when he sets foot in Minnesota.

Additionally, of course, there is the political situation to consider. The Loons have struggled to attract foreign players this offseason because of the immigration raids and tension in the state of Minnesota, which has cost the lives of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti.

Minnesota United's star midfielder Joaquin Pereyra has openly admitted that the club's foreign players are "scared" to go outside for fear of being confronted by ICE agents. “Fewer and fewer people want to be out on the streets because of what might happen to them," he said.

Rodriguez himself appeared to be teasing an imminent decision on his future by posting a picture of himself on a private jet with Fabrizio Romano's 'here we go' catchphrase as the caption.

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