Everton cult hero James Rodríguez could be called up to the Colombian national team ahead of Copa America 2024. The leak comes courtesy of Sao Paulo president Julio Casares, who told reporters that James’ future at the club is in doubt.
Rumors are swirling about the 32-year-old’s next club with Boca Juniors and the attacking midfielder’s former Premier League club, Everton. Then Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti famously signed the Colombian on a free transfer in 2000 before the Italian boss departed for Real Madrid the following season.
James became a nomad, leaving for Qatari Stars League’s Al-Rayyan and then promptly Olympiacos a year later before inking a two-year deal with Sao Paulo in July 2023.
The Colombian has only made 18 appearances for the Brazilian Serie A side. Despite the lack of playing time, he still ranks as a shoo-in for the national team this summer.
“James is still a player for São Paulo. We have not received any inquiries from Boca or Everton,” Casares told reporters. Nonetheless, he admitted that he won’t know Rodríguez’s professional future until after the player’s participation at Copa America.
Colombia has yet to name its 23-man roster for Copa America 24 but national team boss Nestor Lorenzo remains intrigued by selecting James. Despite Colombia’s absence from the 2022 World Cup, Sao Paolo’s out of favor James has helped reinvigorate the national side to 20 undefeated games since last March.
James just loves putting on and performing at his best in the national team kit, where he’s secured nearly 100 caps to-date. The midfielder broke out during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, winning the tournament’s Golden Boot and awarded the FIFA Puskas Award for that remarkable volley against Uruguay in the Round of 16.
The then 22-year-old starlet signed for La Liga giants Real Madrid, where he won two Champions League and domestic titles. There’s no doubt James has become a man since, and despite a loss of form, is head above shoulders a proper leader with vast experience. Let’s see how far the ace can take Colombia in the Copa America 2024, potentially bringing the country’s second tournament trophy back home.
