Stay-away James Rodríguez makes special Club León request
As León prepare for the Apertura 2025 kick-off, Los Panzas Verdes have been left playing the waiting game on star man James.
As the start of the Apertura 2025 approaches, teams are busy gearing up for the second Liga MX tournament of the calendar year. Among them is Club León, whose squad is deep into its preseason training schedule, with sights set on pursuing a ninth league championship.
However, the team’s captain and marquee player, James Rodríguez, is yet to join preseason activities following his recent stint with the Colombian national team for the latest round of World Cup qualifiers.
Rodríguez’s León return on hold
Rodríguez, who was expected to report back on Tuesday, June 24, has postponed his return by a few days.
According to the Mexican journalist Paco Montes, Rodríguez requested special leave for “personal matters,” opting to extend his rest period in Miami, Florida. The 33-year-old is expected to arrive in León later this week and rejoin the squad under head coach Eduardo Berizzo.
James set to stay despite transfer links
Rodríguez’s presence in León will be crucial as the team finalizes preparations ahead of the season opener. Before they kick off their Apertura campaign against Atlético San Luis in mid-July, León will play two final preseason friendlies - against Club Tijuana and Tepatitlán - with Rodríguez expected to feature.
Despite ongoing rumors linking him to other clubs during the current transfer window, Rodríguez is set to remain with León, where he is under contract through December.
Since joining the club, he has appeared in 17 matches, logging 1,322 minutes, scoring two goals and contributing six assists.
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