James Rodriguez to Avellino: It’s Official—The Numbers

Colombian legend James Rodríguez is truly on the verge of joining Italy’s Serie B. Rumors reported in Spain have been confirmed: according to Sky, talks are not only underway but are already well advanced. The two sides are in discussions to finalize the terms of the transfer for the player, who became a free agent after leaving Minnesota last July and has permanently departed the MLS.

Alessandro Nesta himself is said to have had direct contact with the player to convince him to join the Irpinia-based club: the goal for James Rodríguez—35 years old and with 131 caps for the Colombian national team—is to get back in shape ahead of the upcoming Copa América.

There is talk of a 1.5 million euro contract, which the player is reportedly open to. Rodriguez would thus arrive in Italy after having been linked in the past to virtually every Serie A club. Throughout his illustrious career, the 1991-born player has worn the jerseys of Porto, Monaco, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Everton, winning 25 trophies, including two Champions League titles. More recently, he has played in the United States and Mexico.

After the last World Cup, Rodriguez had expressed openness to new experiences: “The only one who knows how long I want to play is me, and I think I still have a couple of years left in my career,” said the high-profile free agent. His Spanish passport will allow him to play for the Irpinia-based club.