Bayern Munich’s James Rodriguez could reunite with Carlo Ancelotti at Napoli

Colombian superstar James Rodriguez could reunite with Carlo Ancelotti at Napoli next season after a disappointing season with Bayern Munich.

Though there is still one month before the transfer window officially opens for many teams in Europe, the rumor mill has already shifted into high gear. Bayern Munich are expected to have a busy summer, with the task of rebuilding a stale squad looming on the horizon.

The past few weeks have been dominated by news of the Bavarians hoping to sign a few star players. 23-year-old Manchester City winger Leroy Sane has emerged as the club’s prime transfer target and would undoubtedly be an excellent signing for the club.

Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodri, meanwhile, has also been heavily linked with a move to the Bavarian capital in recent weeks. Bayern might have to fight with clubs such as Manchester City to convince the 22-year-old (whose contract holds a €70 million release clause) to move to Munich as the heir to Javi Martinez in defensive midfield.

Bayern Munich have also completed moves for both Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard, making for an already exciting summer transfer window.

Another big question that looms large over the German champions is what they will do with Colombian superstar James Rodriguez. The 27-year-old has completed his two-year loan spell at Real Madrid, and Bayern must decide quickly whether or not they will activate their option to buy the left-footed playmaker for €42 million.

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All signs indicate that Bayern will pass on making James’ move permanent this summer after a disappointing second season at the Allianz Arena. But even if the Bavarians decide to pass on making his move permanent, the 27-year-old’s future does not become any more clear. Zinedine Zidane does not want the player at Real Madrid, meaning James will likely be playing at an entirely new club next season.

According to a report published by AS earlier today, Serie A side Napoli has emerged as a possible destination for the player. Carlo Ancelotti, the manager who lured him to both Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, is keen to reunite with the Colombian yet again — this time in Serie A.

AS even claims that James and Ancelotti have already spoken about a potential move, while Napoli chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis has given the thumbs up on the move. All that is left is for the Italian club to come to an agreement with Real Madrid on a transfer fee (unless, of course, Bayern decide to make his move permanent, which is very unlikely).

James is undoubtedly an extremely talented player, but things just haven’t worked out for him as planned at Bayern Munich. It’s hard to imagine the club exercising their option to buy him in the next few weeks (the deadline for the deal is June 15th), especially given their decision to stick with Niko Kovac, who is apparently not keen on the player.

The 27-year-old has always worked well with Carlo Ancelotti, and a move to an entirely new club in an entirely new league could be exactly what the Colombia international needs to get his career back on track.