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 playmaker to Major League Soccer for the upcoming 2026 campaign.
James has remained without a club since departing Liga MX side Club León in December. The 34-year-old midfielder has been seeking a new destination where he can 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 has 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 in their careers.
However, it's only recently that the league has genuinely flourished with some of football's greatest talents. Barcelona icons Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suárez contributed to Inter Miami's historic first MLS Cup triumph in 2025. Former Atlético Madrid star Rodrigo De Paul also participated in their success in south Florida.
Bayern Munich legend Thomas Müller joined Vancouver Whitecaps last season, while Tottenham Hotspur icon Son Heung-min became LAFC's marquee signing. MLS now boasts more elite talent than ever, and James could be the next addition.
The former Real Madrid star may not possess identical achievements to the previously mentioned players, but he demonstrated his class at Copa América 2024, earning the tournament's best player award through his record-setting six assists during Colombia's journey to the final.
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 player. Dayne St. Clair, the 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, departed the club to join Inter Miami. The Canadian goalkeeper allegedly rejected a $1 million contract extension with the Loons to pursue a fresh challenge alongside Messi and his teammates.
St. Clair's departure dealt a significant setback to the franchise still pursuing its inaugural MLS Cup, which was further complicated by veteran midfielder Robin Lod's exit. The Loons also parted ways with manager Eric Ramsay, who chose to return to England and assume control of Championship club West Bromwich Albion.
This level of roster upheaval would challenge any organization, particularly one that failed to advance beyond the Western Conference semifinals last season. The potential acquisition of James, however, provides new manager Cameron Knowles with a skilled creator possessing extensive 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 generate renewed enthusiasm and hope for the 2026 season.