Minnesota United Nears James Rodriguez Signing

Minnesota United is close to signing Colombian international James Rodriguez, the 34-year-old former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder, on a short-term contract for the 2026 Major League Soccer season, according to multiple sources familiar with the negotiations.

Rodriguez, a free agent since departing Club Leon in Mexico's Liga MX in December 2025, arrived in Minnesota on Thursday to finalize the deal. The agreement, expected to span at least six months through the midsummer FIFA World Cup break, does not require a transfer fee and positions him outside the club's Designated Player slots, allowing salary flexibility under league rules. Sources indicate his compensation will approach $5 million, reflecting his stature as one of soccer's most accomplished playmakers.

The move comes as Rodriguez seeks regular playing time to prepare for what could be his final World Cup appearance with Colombia, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer. He has not played club soccer since November 8, 2025, after logging limited minutes with Leon, where he recorded three goals and two assists in 981 minutes across 14 matches during the 2025-26 season. Earlier reports...