James now has a team after rejecting Avellino

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Sevilla Valencia

11/09/26 21:00:00

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James Rodríguez, a 35-year-old Colombian attacking midfielder, has reached an agreement to return to Colombian football and join Atlético Nacional as a new signing. The transfer comes as a free agent, and the contract extends until June 30, 2027, after the player turned down the offer from the Italian club Avellino.

The deal was completed during the final hours of the window for free-agent signings. James Rodríguez had been without a club since leaving Minnesota United, where he played in only 8 matches before exiting the MLS to join the 2026 World Cup with Colombia.

James Rodríguez Chooses Atlético Nacional over Avellino

The change of scenario happened swiftly. Avellino, managed by Alessandro Nesta, had been in discussions with James' representatives and had even submitted a proposal to sign him for Serie B, but the Colombian ended up rejecting that path.

The Italian offer included a one-year contract with a reported salary of around €1.2 million, along with a possible extension linked to promotion to Serie A. However, the parties failed to reach a definitive agreement, and Atlético Nacional seized the opportunity to secure his arrival.

Atlético Nacional's interest materialized while the Colombian market was still open for registering free players. The negotiation had to progress swiftly as the deadline for such signings was September 11.

For James, this means a return to the league where he began his professional career with Envigado before heading to Argentina in 2008. Since then, he has played for Banfield, Porto, Monaco, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Everton, Olympiacos, São Paulo, León, and Minnesota United, among others.

A greeting from the number 10 to the fans of the greatest.

The greatest to the greatest! @jamesdrodriguez pic.com/JrFNrwLY1v

— Atlético Nacional (@nacionaloficial) September 11, 2026

James Rodríguez Returns to Colombia after the World Cup

The decision also alters the player's sporting landscape following his participation in the 2026 World Cup. Having featured for Colombia in the tournament, accumulating 131 international caps, James will now continue his career in his home country's league.

James' last club was Minnesota United, where he made only 8 appearances. Returning to Atlético Nacional represents his first stint in Colombian football since his youth days at Envigado.

The agreement allows James Rodríguez to compete once more in Colombia for the latter part of 2026 and the first half of 2027. Atlético Nacional has publicly confirmed the signing, transitioning the deal from a verbal agreement to an official transfer.

The immediate goal is his integration into the dynamics of Atlético Nacional, as James Rodríguez readies himself for a return to Colombia after nearly two decades abroad. Avellino, which negotiated his signing this week, is now definitively out of the running for the player.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, James ya tiene equipo tras rechazar al Avellino