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James Rodríguez is negotiating his signing with Avellino as a free agent after finishing his spell at Minnesota United on June 30. The Italian club has spoken with his representatives and is considering offering the Colombian midfielder, 35 years old, a contract until the end of the season with the possibility of extension if they achieve promotion to Serie A.
The operation has been publicly acknowledged by Angelo Antonio D'Agostino, Avellino's president. Discussions had started before the signing of Walid Cheddira, were put on hold, and have now resumed after the player showed willingness to consider the proposal.
James Rodríguez Has an Offer from Avellino
Avellino is willing to make a financial effort to convince James Rodríguez. Reports from Italy suggest the offer is around 2-2.5 million euros including bonuses, a substantial amount for a team currently in Serie B.
The proposed contract would initially be for one season but include an option to extend it for another year in case of promotion. This scenario would allow James to return to Serie A if the Campania side achieves the goal this season.
D'Agostino also confirmed that the club has held talks with one of the player's agents. The executive explained that James aims to keep playing for about two more years, so retiring after the 2026 World Cup is currently not part of his plans.
His status as a free agent facilitates the deal because Avellino wouldn't have to pay a transfer fee. Additionally, the Colombian holds a Spanish passport, allowing his registration in Serie B even though the regular transfer market has closed.
James Rodríguez's Return to Italian Football
5James Rodríguez has been looking for a team since his contract with Minnesota United ended. The American team had signed the Colombian until June 2026 with an option to extend, but his time in the MLS concluded after this summer's World Cup.
Avellino now offers him the chance to return to European football. The team is coached by Alessandro Nesta, who was hired this summer on a two-season deal, and competes to be among the promotion candidates.
James' career includes stints at Envigado, Banfield, Porto, Monaco, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Everton, Al-Rayyan, Olympiacos, São Paulo, Rayo Vallecano, León, and Minnesota United. His most notable performance with Colombia came in the 2014 World Cup, where he finished as the top scorer with six goals and won the Golden Boot.
Serie A Promotion Key in the Deal
The next few hours could determine if the contact leads to a signing. Some reports from Italy suggest that by Thursday, the deadline will reveal the player's definitive response to the club's offer.
Avellino still keeps the option open, although acknowledging that the squad was nearly complete before restarting talks. For James Rodríguez, the decision now lies in accepting the offered contract and facing a season in Serie B with the chance to extend it if the team achieves promotion to Serie A.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, James se baja considerablemente el sueldo para volver a Europa
