James Rodriguez wants to join Atletico, deal with Napoli has stalled

Real Madrid playmaker James Rodriguez appeared to be ready to join Napoli and reunite with former coach Carlo Ancelotti. However, Colombian TV show Gol Caracol has reported that James now wants to join Atletico de Madrid, who will make an offer for the midfielder right after Barcelona pay Antoine Griezmann’s release clause. The reported deal with Napoli has stalled because of James’ sudden interest to join Atleti, per that same report.

Apparently, Atletico would be willing to pay close to €40 million to sign James, who is a Diego Simeone target to improve the team. If the Colombian midfielder ends up joinining Atletico he will join Alvaro Morata and Marcos Llorente —also former Real Madrid players— at the Wanda Metropolitano.

James spent the last two seasons playing for Bayern Munich on a loan deal and the German club decided not to trigger their option to buy the player. His performances were somewhat disappointing considering the quality he showed during his debut season for Real Madrid.

Coach Zinedine Zidane just doesn’t want to keep him around and that’s why Los Blancos will have to find a new club for James, even if that club is a rival like Atletico Madrid.