RAYO VALLECANO
When will James Rodriguez make his Rayo Vallecano LaLiga debut?
The Colombian player was unveiled as a new Rayo player on Monday and will stay with the LaLiga club for the 2024-25 season.
After days of speculation and rumours, the news finally broke on Monday evening that James Rodriguez and Rayo Vallecano have agreed terms that will see the Cafetero play for the LaLiga side for the 2024-25 season.
Four years since leaving Real Madrid and enjoying erratic spells in Qatar, Greece and Brazil, Rayo fans will be hoping to see the James that has impressed on the international stage for Colombia with the 33-year-old winning the Best Player of the recent Copa America, bagging one goal and providing six assists, a tournament record.
James’ first words as a Rayo player
Speaking to the club website upon penning his new deal, the central player stated: “I feel a great joy to come to a club like Rayo, which has so much history,” adding, “I am eager to do things well. Wherever I go, I feel that responsibility. I like to win. And in such an important year for the club”.
The colombia national team captain also had words of praise for his compatriot Radamel Falcao who also spent the past few years with the Vallecas outfit: “Falcao is an idol for all of us in Colombia, he has done a lot for our country. I hope to perform as well here as he did.
The deal has taken many days of work, but we are here. I want to thank the club and the president, and I’m looking forward to playing in this historic stadium and dreaming of great things,” concluded the Colombian.
When will James make his Rayo debut?
Rayo Vallecano are in action tonight (Tuesday, 27 August) as they face FC Barcelona at home having recorded a win (away to Real Sociedad) and draw against Getafe in their 2024-25 season openers. James will play no role in tonight’s game as the player will need to undergo an adequate preparatory phase before being match-fit for head coach Iñigio Perez.
Rayo are next in acton next weekend away to Espanyol but it may be the following week before we see the new Rayo No. 10 in action wearing the unique ‘franjiroja’ jersey as the club face Osasuna at home on 15 September.
Rayo’s business in the summer transfer market may not have ended with James as the latest high profile player to be connected with a move to the club who celebrate their centenary this season is Memphis Depay.