James Rodriguez Transfer News: The Colombian Superstar Nears a Loan Move to Olympiakos
The Colombian superstar was keen to move to Galatasaray and Valencia on a year-long loan deal this season.
The 31-year-old is representing the Qatari side Al-Rayyan, which he joined in 2021 after leaving Everton for free.
The Colombian midfielder came to prominence in 2014 after a stunning performance in the World Cup with Colombia, who reached the quarter-finals. That was his best season, as he won the Golden Boot as the top goal scorer in the World Cup. That glittering performance also earned him the biggest move in his career to Real Madrid.
James’s name was available at the summer transfer window. He was linked to a move to the Greek side for a few weeks. Before the end of August, the chances were slim to acquire such a high calibre player for the Greek side.
But Gazzetta has confirmed that Olympiacos is in the final talks with Rodríguez and Al Rayyan. The Greek club is trying to bring the player back to European football.
The Superleague giants are hopeful to get this deal done within the next few hours, as the transfer window in Greece will shut on Thursday, 15th of September.
The Colombian attacker was willing to return to European Football from the beginning of this season. In an interview he spoke to El Chiringuito on his link to Valencia: “If Valencia calls me, I will even walk from Qatar. I would take a pay cut. If they need someone to assist Edinson Cavani, I’ll be there. They are a great club with great fans.”
He was also in talks to join Galatasaray, but they went for Mata. The Colombian’s last stint in Europe was at Everton in 2020 where he scored six goals and provided nine assists in 26 matches for the club.
The 31-year-old was looking for an exit from Qatari club Al-Rayyan where he has a contract until 2024. He earns a £5.2 million annual salary which was a stumbling block for most European clubs this summer.
Reports claim that Olympiacos will pay the Colombian a £1.7 million salary annually, and Al-Rayyan will be covering the remaining £3.5 million salary of his contract.
Olympiacos had a very busy transfer window, as they signed Real Madrid’s most decorated player in history, Marcelo. They also signed former Atletico Madrid defender Sime Vrasljko on a free transfer.
A player of this stature will be a huge deal for Olympiacos. An official is expected to be officially announced later today.
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