Minnesota United are reportedly in advanced talks to sign the free agent ahead of this month’s 2025/26 MLS season kick-off
Minnesota United are reportedly in active discussions to sign James Rodríguez, with the MLS club exploring a deal for the Colombian star after he became a free agent. The move would represent one of the most ambitious signings in the club’s history if completed.
Speculation around Rodríguez’s future gathered momentum on Tuesday when the 34-year-old posted a photo of himself aboard a plane with the caption “Here we go”, a message widely interpreted as signalling an imminent move.
While ESPN revealed discussions between the two parties, Minnesota’s interest was first reported by The Athletic, and talks have since progressed as the club assesses the sporting and financial implications of bringing in a player of his profile.
Rodríguez has been without a club since December, following the expiration of his contract with Club León in Mexico.
His departure from Mexico added another chapter to a club career that has been marked by frequent changes in recent years, often driven by short-term projects rather than long-term stability.
Here we go pic.twitter.com/ZCF8zUYo4z
— James Rodríguez (@jamesdrodriguez) February 3, 2026
James Rodríguez’s career trajectory
Since completing a two-season loan spell at Bayern Munich between 2017 and 2019, Rodríguez has featured for Everton, Al Rayyan, Olympiacos, São Paulo, Rayo Vallecano and León.
That contrast was clear at the 2024 Copa América, where Rodríguez delivered one of the tournament’s standout performances.
He was awarded the Golden Ball after scoring one goal and providing six assists as Colombia reached the final, eventually losing 1-0 to Argentina. His vision and control in midfield underlined his continued value at the highest level.
In total, Rodríguez has earned 122 caps for Colombia, scoring 31 goals, and he is expected to remain the team’s primary creative force at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. His ability to perform in major tournaments continues to attract interest, even as he moves deeper into his thirties.
Rodríguez first rose to global prominence at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where he won the Golden Boot with six goals and added two assists as Colombia reached the quarterfinals. That tournament propelled him into the elite tier of world football and set the stage for high-profile moves across Europe.
After starting his professional career with Envigado, Rodríguez moved to Banfield in 2008. From there, his trajectory took him through FC Porto, AS Monaco and Real Madrid, where he enjoyed some of the most productive seasons of his career.