Bayern Munich won’t make James Rodriguez decision til the summer
Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge insists that the club is not making a decision on James Rodriguez’s future any time soon.
Things are going from bad to worse at Bayern Munich this season. The Bavarians squandered a two-goal lead at home against Fortuna Dusseldorf on Saturday and are now fifth in the Bundesliga , nine points behind Borussia Dortmund. It will be a huge task for the reigning champions to defend their title given their current form.
There are many players who have reportedly fallen out with Niko Kovac. The Croatian constantly dismissed reports of a locker room rift, but it does seem likely many players are unhappy with his methods. Among those players is Colombian superstar James Rodriguez, who apparently wants out of Bavaria if Kovac sticks around as coach.
The speculation surrounding James’ future is not going to end any time soon. Speaking to Sport Bild, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge asserted that the club is in no rush to make a decision on the Colombian’s future.
"“We have an agreement where there is an option that we can activate by June 15, 2019. We are now in November and I do not think it makes sense to talk about this topic right now.“We are all convinced in the club that he is a great footballer. Unfortunately, he is injured now. Unfortunately, I have to say, because he is always a player who has done a lot offensively, helping his teammates score goals or scoring them himself.”"
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James joined Bayern Munich from Real Madrid in 2017 on an initial two-year loan with an option for Bayern to make it permanent for €42 million. Then Bayern coach Carlo Ancelotti had previously worked with James at Real Madrid so he persuaded his bosses to bring him to the Bavarian capital. The former Monaco midfielder struggled to make an immediate impact in the Bundesliga and found himself on fringes of the squad.
Things looked very bleak for James when Ancelotti was sacked just two months into the season. However, after an injury to Thomas Muller, James got his chance and grabbed it with both hands. He went on to become Bayern’s most creative player in the season and became an indispensable part of Heynckes’ starting lineup.
James was expected to be even better this season after settling in the Bundesliga, but injuries and a lack of game time have not allowed him to get any sort of rhythm. The Colombia international is reportedly seeking talks with the club in order to get assurances about his future. He has been heavily linked with a return to Real Madrid, while Juventus and some top Premier League clubs are also showing interest in him.
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The 27-year-old is still one of the best midfielders in Europe. Thomas Muller is currently on a steady decline so Bayern desperately need someone to split minutes with him. James provides that extra zip to Bayern in the final third. It is absolutely a no-brainer for Bayern to sign him permanently in the summer.