Colombian Midfielder James Rodriguez to Sign for Atletico Nacional
In a move that comes as a total shock for Colombian football, 35-year-old midfielder James Rodriguez has reportedly reached a definitive agreement to join Atletico Nacional. The blockbuster move, which is expected to be made official in the coming hours or days, brings the national team icon back to the country as a free agent […]
James Rodriguez, the 35-year-old Colombian midfielder, has reportedly reached a definitive agreement to join Atletico Nacional. The surprise move, which could be finalized in the coming hours, brings the national team veteran back to Colombia after his departure from MLS side Minnesota United following the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With the transfer window for free agents closing, Atletico Nacional acted swiftly to secure the signature of a player eager to anchor a club offering structural guarantees and a significant sporting project.
Negotiations progressed rapidly, disrupting Rodriguez’s planned move to Italian Serie B club Avellino. The superstar even delayed a flight to Madrid to undergo medical exams with Atletico Nacional in Medellin, leading to a crucial meeting to finalize the contract. Rodriguez had an excellent rapport with Nacional’s manager Lucas Gonzalez, which proved instrumental in swaying the player’s decision to stay in Colombia.
This signing marks Rodriguez’s fifth club in the Americas, following stints with Banfield, São Paulo, León, and Minnesota United. Meanwhile, in Bogota, 38-year-old winger Juan Guillermo Cuadrado is also set to join Millonarios FC, capitalizing on the injury absence of Jhomier Guerrero. Both signings add to a season of unprecedented drama in Colombian football.
Written by urgent.news from Colombia One's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
