Transfer Market, James Rodríguez-Avellino: It Will Remain a Dream

Avellino’s attempt to sign James Rodriguez will most likely remain nothing more than a pipe dream. According to rumors coming out of Colombia and reported by Tuttomercatoweb, the South American playmaker—after initially showing interest in the Irpinia-based club—now appears set to reject the offer to move to Italy’s Serie B.

According to the latest rumors, the Cafeteros legend has chosen to return to his homeland and is on the verge of signing with Atlético Nacional. The player’s agents have reportedly finalized the last details of the contract, and Rodriguez will soon be at the club’s headquarters in Medellín for a physical and to sign the contract.

Rodriguez will thus return to Colombia after spending years in Europe playing for Porto, Monaco, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Everton. He also won two Champions League titles with the Blancos. The deal is expected to be finalized shortly, as the Colombian transfer window closes on September 11.

Avellino had offered the player—who has been linked in the past to virtually every Serie A club—a contract worth 1.5 million euros. In recent years, 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 more years left in my career,” said the high-profile free agent.