Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich have officially announced that Real Madrid attacking midfielder James Rodriguez will join them on a two-year loan deal, subject to a medical.
The Colombian’s current contract at the La Liga is due to expire in 2020 but he has been desperate to leave Real Madrid in search of regular football.
James made only 13 starts in the La Liga last season.
Rodriguez had found life unhappy under Zidane and had been highly linked with a move away to Manchester United in the summer due to lack of game-time.
But now Bayern Munich have hijacked Manchester United’s move for the Colombian after sealing a two-year loan move for the Colombian superstar.
Antonio Conte’s Chelsea had also shown interest in James as the Italian boss looks to strengthen his squad as the Blues return to Champions League football in the upcoming season.
It is believed that Madrid had set a staggering £70million price tag for Rodriguez which put off potential buyers.
And now the 25-year-old midfielder will move to Bayern and reunite with Carlo Ancelotti, who worked with him at Real Madrid.
Bayern Munich released an official statement, which said: “FC Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have agreed on the change of Colombian national player James Rodríguez to the German championship on Tuesday.
“The two clubs agreed on a two-year loan transaction until June 30, 2019 with the following purchase option for FC Bayern Munich.”
“James Rodríguez will sign his contract in Munich after successfully completing the compulsory medical check.”
According to FootTheBall sources, Bayern will pay Real Madrid £8.8m (10m euros) as a loan fee and also have to have an option to permanently buy the player for a transfer fee of £30.9m (35m euros) in 2019.
Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge added: “We are very happy that we were able to implement this transfer.”
“The commitment of James Rodríguez was the great wish of our coach, Carlo Ancelotti, after both had already successfully worked together in Madrid.”
“James is a versatile player. With this transfer, we have been able to raise the quality of our team without question.”
Manchester United, Chelsea and Inter Milan were all keen on roping in the services of James, but Real Madrid were not willing to completely lose grip on their talented attacking midfielder.
But it is understood that the La Liga club looked to get the attacking midfielder off their wage bill and a two-year loan deal to Bayern served their purpose.