James Rodríguez would have one foot in Atlético Madrid. The Colombian international is on vacation after playing in the Copa America - where he had a great performance - and Real Madrid is already rubbing their hands with what will be his sale to the Manzanares team. In Spain, the numbers being handled around the transfer of the former Bayern Munich player are already being discussed.
The Spanish press assumes that the '10' of the Colombian national team will wear red, white and blue next season. According to Don Balón, the Colombian will become a Colchonero in exchange for 65 million euros, much higher than the 45 (plus five variables) that Real Madrid was asking Napoli for his signing, thanks to his great performance in the South American continental tournament.
In addition to this, there is the good relationship that James Rodríguez has with Diego Simeone, who reportedly called the player personally to offer him facilities and assure him that he would count on him at 'Atleti'. On the other hand, James wants to continue living in Madrid, the Liga Santander is more exciting and competitive for him, and the sporting project of the Colchoneros is more interesting.
Furthermore, James would earn 9 million euros as an annual salary, becoming one of the highest paid players at Atlético Madrid. All thanks to the conversations that his agent, Jorge Mendes, started when Joao Félix's transfer was completed a few days ago. Only details are missing, but the good relationship between Real Madrid and 'Atleti' would benefit the transfer of the Colombian player.
All of the above is very different from what happened with Napoli. It was revealed that Real Madrid demanded more money from the Italian club, which initially only wanted him on loan and then to execute the purchase option next year, but the Madrid club wanted the money right away. Furthermore, it was a way to strike a blow to Aurelio di Laurentiis, president of the Italian club, after he did not provide facilities in the negotiation for Kalidou Koulibaly.
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