Minnesota United is in advanced talks with Colombian Captain James Rodriguez over a proposed deal to bring the playmaker to Major League Soccer.
The move would represent the most significant signing in the history of the club, securing a world-renowned talent who remains the captain and star man of the Colombian national team.
Rodriguez, 34, has been a free agent since leaving Mexico’s Club Leon in December. The midfielder is coming off a stellar 2024 campaign in which he was named the best player at the Copa America held in the United States, leading Colombia to the final against Argentina.
With 122 caps for La Tricolor, Rodriguez is actively seeking a high-level environment to maintain his form ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
James Rodriguez headed to Minnesota United in favor of Colombia
The potential move to Minnesota follows a period of heavy speculation regarding a return to his home country. While Colombian giants Millonarios expressed significant interest in signing Colombia’s #10, Rodriguez officially declined the offer.
According to sports journalist Cesar Augusto Londoño, commercial obligations and advertising contracts for the 2026 World Cup prevent Rodriguez from playing in the Colombian league, as his image rights reportedly conflict with domestic sponsors such as BetPlay.
🚨 Exclusiva: James Rodríguez (34) está en negociaciones avanzadas con #MinnesotaUnited. Esperan acordar su vinculación en los próximos días 🇨🇴
🤙🏼 @tombogert pic.twitter.com/eIRakx1yj1
— Pipe Sierra (@PSierraR) February 3, 2026
Beyond Colombia, the midfielder was also the subject of rumors in Ecuador. Directors from Barcelona de Guayaquil confirmed that the player’s name was discussed with a valuation of approximately US$3 million, and interest was similarly reported from Liga de Quito.
However, Rodriguez signaled that he does not consider it the right moment to return to South American football, looking instead toward the MLS market as the league prepares for its late-February season opener.
James Rodriguez, a globe-trotter
Since his departure from Real Madrid in 2020, Rodriguez has featured for a variety of clubs across the globe, including Everton in England, Al-Rayyan in Qatar, Olympiacos in Greece, São Paulo in Brazil, Rayo Vallecano in Spain, and Leon in Mexico.
During his time in Mexico, he recorded five goals and nine assists across 34 appearances. Minnesota United is looking to build on a successful 2025 season, where they finished fourth in the Western Conference before a semifinal elimination.
Under the leadership of newly appointed head coach Cameron Knowles, who succeeded Eric Ramsay last month, the “Loons” view Rodriguez as the elite creative force necessary to elevate the franchise’s global profile and competitive standing for the 2026 season.