James Rodriguez continues to be the subject of interest of the Chinese Super League's cash-rich clubs. (Photo : Getty Images)
James Rodriguez's future in Real Madrid looks increasingly in doubt, having been sidelined by manager Zinedine Zidane's first team plans. But a transfer to China doesn't seem to figure in the midfielder's cards, despite growing interest from the Chinese Super League's cash-rich clubs.
Rodriguez became a Los Blancos player in 2014 for €80 million from AS Monaco, effectively making him one of the Spanish giants' Galácticos. Despite that, Rodriguez saw his first team influence wane since Zidane took over as the manager, who has since brought the side to impressive heights.
Having won Real Madrid's 11th Champions League Final last season, which is part of the side's ongoing 40-game unbeaten run that propelled them to 1st in La Liga, Zidane's managerial position is unquestioned. Rodriguez would then have no choice but to continue pushing or look elsewhere for first team football.
Comments made during the club's Club World Cup victory in Japan fueled interest for Rodriguez from a host of Chinese clubs. Hebei China Fortune wasted no time sending an inquiry to the player's agent, Jorge Mendes, while Tianjin Quanjian FC seems to be lurking around as well, The Mirror has reported.
A venture to the Far East would be a financially-sound move for Rodriguez, although he reportedly rejected Hebei's $114 million transfer, per NBC Sports. Managed by ex-Real Madrid and Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini, Hebei has Gervinho and Ezequiel Lavezzi in its books.
Mendes' meeting with Tianjin owner Shu Yuhiu, which was captured in a photo, added fuel to the fire on Rodriguez's future. Many of the agent's clients - Axel Witsel, Ricardo Carvalho, and Jackson Martinez, are currently plying their trade in China, and Rodriguez might become the next to follow suit.
The uncertainty surrounding Rodriguez isn't just limited to Chinese clubs. European giants Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have also registered their interest on the midfielder, whose 2014 World Cup volley goal against Uruguay has mesmerized the world.
