The Colombian midfielder will be without a club in the next few weeks and is looking for a new team.
The European winter transfer window is starting to come to life with a name of caliber: James Rodríguez. The 34-year-old, talented Colombian midfielder is facing a career path, with Real Sociedad being a likely next destination.
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After a period of ups and downs at Mexican club León, the player is now urgently searching for a new platform that can guarantee him the necessary playing time to be in optimal shape for the 2026 World Cup – a tournament he is passionate about participating in with the national team. His stay in Mexico didn’t let the creative player shine as expected. While his stats aren’t catastrophic – with 5 goals and 8 assists in 30 games – the former Real Madrid player needs a project with a higher sporting level.
Desire for continuity and Real Sociedad’s interest
In the midst of this search scenario, a tempting opportunity has emerged from the north of Spain: Real Sociedad. The Basque club have been focusing on the midfielder’s contract situation, as his current deal with Club León expires on December 31.
Being a free agent presents an unrivalled opportunity at zero cost to strengthen Real Sociedad’s midfield at the start of the new year. The management of the San Sebastián club appreciates the understanding of the game and the ability of the last pass that has always characterized the Colombian ’10’. His potential signing could spruce up Real Sociedad’s central midfield.
Despite a disappointing stay at Rayo Vallecano, James Rodríguez still has a significant reputation in LaLiga EA Sports. The prospect of returning to Spanish football, where he experienced his best moments at Real Madrid, is tempting both for the player and for any team willing to bet on him. Real Sociedad seems willing to take the calculated risk.
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James Rodríguez’s has traveled “everywhere”
The career trajectory of the player from Cúcuta is one of his most important assets. He came to Europe via Porto, where he left his mark. After a brief but intense year in Monaco, his career skyrocketed after a stellar performance at the 2014 World Cup, which led him to Real Madrid. After his first stint in Spain, the midfielder tried his luck in the Bundesliga on loan to Bayern Munich. He then had a stint at Everton in the Premier League, and also played in more exotic leagues in Qatar, Greece and Brazil.
His recent stint in Spanish football, with Rayo Vallecano, was short-lived. After he failed to win the trust of the coaching stable, the club chose to terminate his contract. This opened the door to his recent experience with Club León, where he also struggled to establish himself as an indisputable star. Real Sociedad now offers a second chance at stability in a familiar environment.
The salary factor: Crucial difference in LaLiga
While Valencia has been mentioned as another possible destination in Spain, his high salary there poses an almost insurmountable obstacle for the team. James Rodríguez’s status as a free agent, combined with the flexibility Real Sociedad can offer in his contract, tilts the scales in the direction of the Basque project.
The attacking midfielder’s desire is clear: he needs a team where he can be a key player to optimise his physical fitness with a view to his 2026 World Cup goal. For the former Real Madrid player, a competitive team with European participation, such as Real Sociedad, represents the perfect stage to revive his career on the continent. The fate of James Rodríguez could be decided very soon, which will make him the star signing of the winter market.
