James Rodríguez finds himself in a secondary role at Rayo Vallecano, with frequent stints on the bench. In their recent match against Sevilla, the Colombian didn’t see a single minute of action, marking the third time this season he’s been left out entirely.

Since joining Rayo on August 26, James has had minimal impact, playing just 136 minutes across six matches, with only one start—on September 28 against Leganés. His appearances have been sporadic, and he was benched for games against Girona, Alavés, and Sevilla due to technical decisions. Even in the Copa del Rey clash against Villamuriel, he missed out because of minor fitness issues.

These challenges have sparked rumors of a potential departure, but Rayo Vallecano firmly denies any such plans. “For now, I haven’t considered any specific changes for any player,” said Rayo’s sporting director, David Cobeño. “We’re focused on the matches ahead, which are very important. The market will determine what we need, but the coach is part of the planning process. James remains a key figure for us, contributing quality not just on the field but also in the locker room.”

James’s struggles at Rayo are a stark contrast to his role with the Colombian national team, where he continues to shine. In the past three months, he’s played six matches—four as a starter—logging 419 minutes and proving his worth on the international stage.