Bayern Munich have confirmed the signing of James Rodriguez from Real Madrid on a two-year loan deal with a view to a permanent move in 2019.
Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool had all been linked with a move for the Colombian, but Bayern have wrapped up his signature.
“FC Bayern München and Real Madrid have today agreed the transfer of Colombian international James Rodríguez to the record German champions,” a statement read on the club’s official website.
“The two clubs have agreed on a two-year loan deal until 30 June 2019 with the option for FC Bayern München to buy the player. James Rodríguez will sign his contract in Munich once the obligatory medical has been successfully completed.
“The 25 year-old midfielder was the top scorer at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with six goals, after which he moved from Monaco to Real Madrid. In the last three years, he's won the UEFA Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup twice with the Spanish side as well as La Liga once. In total he made 111 competitive appearances for Real, scoring 36 goals and giving 41 assists.”
FC Bayern München AG chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said of the signing of Rodriguez: “We’re delighted we’ve been able to complete this transfer. Signing James Rodríguez was our coach Carlo Ancelotti’s biggest wish, following their successful spell working together in Madrid.
“James is a very versatile player. He’s a goalscorer himself, he sets up a lot of goals and on top of that he’s great from set-pieces. There’s no question that this transfer further increases the quality in our team.”
Rodriguez averaged more key passes per 90 (3.4) than any other La Liga player to make 20 or more appearances last season.
