Zinedine Zidane Makes Decision On James Rodriguez's Real Madrid Future

Last week, Real Madrid star James Rodriguez confirmed that he was the subject of an €85 million bid this summer.

The Colombian’s future has been widely speculated this summer, with various outlets failing to get a true grasp of where the player will be next season.

Moves to Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and even West Ham United have been rumoured with nothing coming to fruition.
And, after insisting he will fight to earn his place in the Madrid team, James’ manager has provided confirmation of where the 25-year-old’s future lies.

For Los Blancos fans hoping to see James turn it around at the Bernabeu, it’s good news.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Madrid’s friendly against PSG in Columbus, Zinedine Zidane said:

“He [James] is a Real Madrid player and he is going to stay.”

Sorry, West Ham supporters. You can let go of those thin straws you were clutching onto.
James’ career has failed to take off since he moved to Madrid after the 2014 World Cup. And, unfortunately, most of his biggest issues haven’t been football related.

The former Monaco player was involved in a high-speed police chase at the start of the year after failing to stop. He was fined €10,400 in March for the incident.

There have also been questions relating to the player’s weight and attitude.
Though Zidane’s 4-3-3 system doesn’t entirely cater to James’ skill set – his best position is behind the striker – he still received plenty of opportunities last season, largely in part due to the lack of depth Madrid have in attacking positions.

So he’ll be pleased to hear his manager’s words. If Zidane is adamant that James will stay, you figure he’ll have an important role in the squad.

Many speculated that French champions PSG were the club that made the €85m bid, although the club’s president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, has denied making a move.

Spanish outlet El Confidencial had an interesting report claiming Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward held a meeting with James’ agent, Jorge Mendes, in which he told the Portuguese to expect a €65m bid from United for his client.

The Red Devils might be interested in signing James but he’s certainly not a priority. At the minute, Jose Mourinho is hoping to clinch the signing of Paul Pogba from Juventus.
If James endures another difficult season in Spain, then it’s easy to imagine United renewing their pursuit of him.