James Rodriguez tipped for surprise move to join Alessandro Nesta in Serie B
· Yahoo Sports
Reports in Spain claim that James Rodriguez is on the verge of a surprise return to Europe to play for Serie B club Avellino under head coach Alessandro Nesta.
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Report: James Rodriguez in talks to join Avellino in Serie B
According to reports from Spanish outlet Marca, the 35-year-old Rodriguez has spoken at length with Nesta and is in advanced negotiations with Avellino. Tuesday’s report indicates that the parties are nearing an agreement and that an official announcement could be made in the coming days.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JULY 03: James Rodriguez #10 of Colombia looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Colombia and Ghana at Kansas City Stadium on July 03, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
A two-time Champions League winner and a former winner of the World Cup Golden Boot, Rodriguez is currently available as a free agent after leaving MLS side Minnesota United earlier this year to focus on preparing for the 2026 World Cup with Colombia.
Rodriguez started in all five of Colombia’s matches at the 2026 World Cup, which ended in a penalty shoot-out elimination at the hands of Switzerland in the round of 16.
He is now the leading appearance-maker for his nation with 131 senior caps. Only Radamel Falcao (36) has scored more goals for Colombia than Rodriguez (31).
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JULY 03: James Rodriguez #10 of Colombia looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Colombia and Ghana at Kansas City Stadium on July 03, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
His is an impressive CV that includes stints with Porto, Monaco, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Everton, Olympiacos, Sao Paulo and various others, but a move to Avellino would be his first ever experience in Italy.
Avellino are currently fifth in the Serie B table after their first three league games of the 2026-27 season with two victories and one loss in the early stages of the new campaign.