James Rodriguez, now entering his second season as a member of the Bayern Munich squad, may still have his mind on Madrid. A report by German outlet Kicker, states that Bayern fear the Colombian international will decide to leave at the end of the season, once his two year loan spell has ended. Bayern do hold option to purchase, but if the player insists on a return to Madrid, there are few options for the Bavarians to exercise. James has always made his love for Madrid well known and some Bayern Munich fans had criticized the immense respect he paid his former employers in the Champions League clash of 2018. The midfield man, recovered his best form last season under Ancelotti and Jupp Heynckes, but is not currently an out and out starter for new manager Niko Kovac.
After flirting with Madrid this summer, a return seemed plausible, but James assured both the board and the fans of Bayern Munich that he would not abandon the club after they helped him find his best form on the pitch again. A return may be enticing for Madrid, but with the likes of Bale, Asensio, Isco, Ceballos, Kovacic, Vincius Jr, and soon Rodrygo—the likelihood seems slim. Lopetegui and the Madrid board have trusted in the current young crop to rise and Marco Asensio is already answering the call with his performances for both club and country. Although the mutual admiration will always be there, the probability of Bayern’s alleged fears coming to fruition is not very high.