James Rodriguez Poised for Move to MLS as Columbus Crew Pursues Contract

Since departing Real Madrid at the close of 2020, James Rodriguez has undertaken a nomadic career, playing for various clubs including Everton, Al-Rayyan, Olympiacos, Sao Paulo, and Rayo Vallecano before his recent tenure with Liga MX’s Leon. During his time in Mexico, he made 34 appearances, netting five goals and providing nine assists. According to Marca, Rodriguez is now poised to make a move to the United States, with Oscar Orstos reporting that the Columbus Crew are actively pursuing a deal despite the team’s current managerial vacancy following Wilfried Nancy’s departure to Celtic.

Rodriguez is also attracting interest from Orlando City, though recent reports indicate that Santos, a Brazilian club, has denied any interest in signing him. With 122 caps for the Colombian national team, Rodriguez is keenly eyeing a spot in the 2026 World Cup, expressing his ambition to bring the trophy back to Colombia—likely his final tournament before he turns 35. Despite having been a runner-up in the Copa America, he has yet to achieve major international success since Colombia’s youth team won the Toulon Tournament in 2011.

He remarked, “Playing in the World Cup is always a great joy. Now, at 34, I think it’s much nicer because football passes; time passes for everyone. I’m in very good spirits for that World Cup. With the team we have, we’ll stand up to anyone because this is a big team. We’re playing for big things. A World Cup, and we want to win it.”

Rodriguez has previously showcased his talent on the world stage, particularly during the 2014 World Cup, where he scored a stunning volley that was voted the goal of the tournament. He earned the Puskas Award for this strike and also claimed the Golden Boot after scoring six goals, leading Colombia to the quarter-finals before their defeat to Brazil. His emotional exit from that game highlighted his deep passion for the national team, as he proclaimed that “a great team has been born,” although Colombia has struggled to replicate that success, notably failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

As he looks to finalize his club situation in MLS, Rodriguez remains a crucial figure for the Colombian national team. He participated in every qualifier, scoring against Argentina and Bolivia while providing assists in matches against Argentina, Chile, and Brazil. He continued to demonstrate his importance in the 2024 Copa America, where Colombia reached the final but fell to Lionel Messi and his team after extra time.

Colombia has confirmed two of its group-stage opponents for the upcoming tournament: Uzbekistan and Portugal, along with one of New Caledonia, Jamaica, or DR Congo, depending on the outcome of a playoff. Before these matches, Rodriguez hopes to secure a position with a new club, with the Columbus Crew seemingly leading the charge for his signature.

Should he sign with the Crew, he would join the ranks of stars like Lionel Messi and Son Heung-min in the MLS, further elevating the league’s profile. His potential addition would undoubtedly represent a significant signing for the Columbus Crew or Orlando City, should they succeed in their pursuit.