Could Colombia star James Rodriguez migrate to MLS?

It was 10 years ago that Colombia’s then-22-year-old James Rodriguez introduced himself to the world with a goal for the ages.

Reportedly named after the fictional British super spy James Bond, he demonstrated a license to thrill. Taking the ball off his chest from a headed pass as he turned his body to the left, the baby-faced assassin guided it to his left foot and volleyed the orb with power and finesse into the net from 25 yards out.

It was voted the best goal of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil and, perhaps coincidentally, perhaps fate, came against Uruguay, the same team he and his countrymen face in Wednesday’s Copa América semifinal at Bank of America Stadium. Rodriguez scored both goals in that 2-0 World Cup Round of 16 win.

Closer to the end of his career than the beginning, it has been rumored that he fancies a return to Spain as he ends a stint with Brazilian club Sao Paolo. Online posts have speculated interest in his services from MLS sides Columbus and Salt Lake. Armed with a fresh $50 million after the sale of Giorgos Giakoumakis, Thiago Almada, and Caleb Wiley, Atlanta has the money and need for creative difference makers.

Valued by TransferMarkt at a bargain $3.7 million, Rodriguez could also be an interesting target for Charlotte FC.

What’s unknown at this point is which MLS club holds the discovery rights – the valuable fantasy picks each club can lay claim to – for Rodriguez. Most recently, Charlotte earned a reported $350,000 by transferring their discovery rights to former Bundesliga star Marco Reus to LA Galaxy.

The right wing/attacking midfielder who turns 33 on July 12 is now known globally as James (pronounced hom-ez) after his high-profile World Cup begat a move from Monaco to Real Madrid for the 2014-15 season, where he scored 17 goals with 15 assists in 46 appearances. He would score another 19 goals with 20 assists in 65 games over the next two seasons before a move on loan to FC Bayern Munich where he scored 15 times with 19 assists across 67 matches.

Rodriguez returned to Madrid for 2019-20 but appeared in only 14 games, with a goal and two assists. He joined EPL side Everton the next year with six goals and eight assists but moved on to Qatar from 2021-23 and then Olympiacos in Greece before ending up with his current team in Brazil, Sao Paolo.

Once valued as an 80 million Euro ($86.5 million) player, Rodriguez is now rated at €3.5M and rumors have been floating regarding a possible interest from MLS teams. Could Charlotte FC be one of those sides? It’s also gossiped that he eyes a return to Spain.

Whatever the case, Wednesday was Rodriguez’s introduction to the Queen City and an opportunity to impress. If Dean Smith wants a world class number 10, this could be the player to acquire. With the return of Karol Swiderski, who was loaned to Serie A side Hellas Verona for the last European season, there is still a DP spot open in Charlotte.

The all-time leading scorer for Charlotte is versatile and can play as a number 9 striker, attacking midfielder, or on the wings.

Rodriguez’s play in the Copa América has been exceptional. He scored a penalty kick and passed for two assists in the quarterfinal win over Panama. He notched three assists in group play and was highly rated in Colombia’s 1-1 draw with Brazil. He’s the first Colombian to have five assists at any major tournament and only the second player since 2011 to do so. The other is Lionel Messi.

All of Charlotte’s other offensive threats, especially the 6-foot-4 Patrick Agyemang could benefit from a passer like Rodriguez.

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