The arrival of James Rodríguez at Junior de Barranquilla is getting closer to becoming a reality. After his recent departure from Rayo Vallecano, the Cucuta-born midfielder, who had a rough stint with the Madrid-based team, rescinded his contract with the Spanish club. Now, he is aiming for a return to Colombian football with a salary that could break records in the local league's history.

A Million-Dollar Deal in Barranquilla

According to statements from Fuad Char, the majority shareholder of Junior FC, negotiations have progressed significantly thanks to the support of businessman Christian Daes, who has played a key role in bringing the deal closer. “We made him a very good offer. We know it’s tough to compete with other interested clubs, but we’re firm in our goal to bring him to Barranquilla,” Char said in an interview with local media.

James Rodríguez, who was the highest-paid player at Rayo Vallecano with an annual salary of 4 million euros (around 4.3 million dollars), could join Junior with a contract reportedly worth around 300,000 dollars a month. This would significantly surpass the salary of Radamel Falcao at Millonarios, making it the most lucrative contract for a player in the history of Colombian professional football.

A New Challenge for James

James Rodríguez’s decision to leave Rayo Vallecano came after a period marked by a lack of minutes and prominence in the Madrid team. With just 205 minutes played across all competitions, Rodríguez failed to fit into the plans of coach Íñigo Pérez. In light of this, Junior FC is looking to offer him a competitive and trusted environment, while also leveraging his stature to boost the club both on and off the field.

Economic Impact for the Club

The economic impact of James’s arrival is also a key factor. According to Char, the investment in the player will not only benefit the team in terms of on-field performance but also in merchandise sales and associated products. “We know it’s a big gamble, but we’re confident it will be worth it. These kinds of moves don’t just raise the level of the club but of Colombian football in general,” explained the club official.

The next key step in the negotiations could take place this week, as Char revealed that they expect James to arrive in Barranquilla in the coming days. “If he comes to Barranquilla, it’s because he’s ready to sign with us. Otherwise, I don’t think he’d make the trip,” said Char. If the deal goes through, Junior FC will not only land one of the most high-profile signings in its history, but also put the club and Colombian football on the international map.