World Cup Star Set for Stunning MLS Move as Mystery Club Enters Advanced Negotiations
Minnesota United are said to be in discussions with ex-Real Madrid star James Rodríguez about bringing the Colombian midfielder to Major League Soccer for the 2026 campaign.
James has remained without a club since departing Liga MX side Club León in December. The 34-year-old has been seeking a new destination to secure consistent playing time before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he aims to captain Colombia in what could be his final appearance at football's premier competition.
The Athletic indicates James is contemplating a high-profile transfer to the United States this winter, which would establish him as the most prominent player to ever represent the Loons. If this transfer materializes, Minnesota United would become the playmaker's seventh team since 2020.
Following periods at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, James traveled worldwide seeking stable long-term opportunities. The attacking midfielder has featured for Everton in England, Al Rayyan in Qatar, Olympiacos in Greece, São Paulo in Brazil, Rayo Vallecano in Spain and most recently, León in Mexico.
MLS on the Verge of Capturing Another Former European Star
MLS Poised to Secure Another Ex-European Superstar
European superstars transitioning to MLS is well-established; David Beckham, who stunned the football world by joining LA Galaxy in 2007, genuinely elevated the league's profile among elite players seeking fresh opportunities.
However, only recently has the league truly flourished with some of football's greatest talents. Barcelona icons Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suárez spearheaded Inter Miami's historic first MLS Cup triumph in 2025. Former Atlético Madrid star Rodrigo De Paul also contributed to their success in south Florida.
Bayern Munich legend Thomas Müller signed with Vancouver Whitecaps last season, while Tottenham Hotspur icon Son Heung-min became LAFC's marquee signing. MLS now boasts more elite talent than ever, with James potentially joining their ranks.
The former Real Madrid star may not possess identical achievements to those mentioned players, but he demonstrated his class at Copa América 2024, earning tournament MVP honors through his record-setting six assists during Colombia's journey to the championship match.
During his time with León, he recorded five goals and nine assists across 34 matches.
Minnesota's Offseason Just Took a Major Took a Turn
Minnesota's Transfer Window Just Experienced a Dramatic Shift
It's rarely positive for any organization when their most significant offseason activity involves losing a key performer. Dayne St. Clair, the 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, departed to join Inter Miami. The Canadian goalkeeper reportedly declined a $1 million contract extension with the Loons to pursue a fresh challenge alongside Messi and teammates.
St. Clair's departure dealt a significant setback to the franchise still pursuing its inaugural MLS Cup, made worse by also losing experienced midfielder Robin Lod. The Loons additionally parted ways with manager Eric Ramsay, who chose to return to England and manage Championship club West Bromwich Albion.
Such extensive changes would unsettle any organization, particularly one eliminated in the Western Conference semifinals last season. The possible acquisition of James, however, provides new manager Cameron Knowles with a skilled creator possessing vast experience on football's grandest stages. The Colombian would also instantly improve Minnesota's dead-ball situations with his precise delivery.
Should the Western Conference club successfully secure James's services, this offseason would transform from potentially catastrophic to genuinely promising. The signing would instead generate renewed enthusiasm and hope for 2026.