James Rodríguez to leave São Paulo: which club will he play for next?

Colombian superstar James Rodríguez has all but agreed to terminate his contract with Brazilian club São Paulo, which means the former Real Madrid playmaker will be a free agent going into the 2024/25 season.

Which clubs have turned down James Rodríguez?

After winning the Golden Ball for best player at the 2024 Copa América, the 33-year-old has his heart set on a return to Europe after a disappointing spell in Brazil. Two teams have already turned down the chance to sign Rodríguez, who has now been offered to five Premier League clubs, according to reports in England.

Former club Porto, who the Colombian played for for three seasons between 2010 and 2013, said re-signing James would be “almost impossible” for financial reasons, while Real Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo claimed his club weren’t looking for a player of his type, although rumours continue to link him with a move to Seville.

Which Premier League teams has Rodríguez been offered to?

Unlike for Porto, the former Madrid schemer’s salary wouldn’t be an issue for the majority of Premier League clubs, which could see him return to England after a solitary season at Everton in 2020/21.

Reports in England say the Colombia captain has been offered to Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Fulham, Wolves and Brighton. However, no formal offers have been made so far as his release from São Paulo has yet to be finalised.

In addition to the Premier League, James has also been mooted as a possible target for Betis’ city rivals Sevilla, Atlético Madrid and Villarreal, and ambitious Italian team Como, who have been promoted to Serie A under head coach Cesc Fabregas.

After spending a year in the Qatar Stars League and failing to make the desired impact with Olympiacos and São Paulo, Rodríguez has continued to shine for the Colombian national team and is looking for one more chance to prove he can still compete at the very top of the club soccer.