Minnesota United officially announced the signing of international star James Rodríguez, who will begin his first spell in Major League Soccer. Rodríguez will not occupy a Designated Player spot, and the deal is a short-term agreement set to run at least through the World Cup. The Colombian midfielder joins as a free agent after his contract with Liga MX side Leon expired in December.
Loons got their star
Cameron Knowles will have his first marquee signing as head coach with the arrival of Rodriguez, adding creativity and explosiveness to Minnesota United’s midfield. The former Real Madrid star has signed a short-term deal with the Loons, who finished fourth in the Western Conference last season and were eliminated in the conference semifinals.
“It’s the club that moved forward the most, it’s the club that wants me,” Rodriguez said when asked about his decision to sign with Minnesota instead of MLS‘ more marquee warm-weather teams. “When people want you, you have to give everything for them. You have to be fully focused here, train really well, and be ready to help.
“I’m in a unique and important stage of my career – I have the World Cup, I can’t fail. I have to do things right, and I’m very focused. It’s true that this was one of the main reasons why I could come here. The World Cup is a reason for me to be here. I want to be at my best and be able to win in Minnesota. I want them to get to know me, and for me to get to know them.”
It is a unique fit, though, as Minnesota United were one of the least possession-based teams in MLS last season. That certainly could change with the addition of the Colombian star, who has played for the likes of Real Madrid, Monaco, Porto, Bayern Munich, and Everton throughout his illustrious career.
James’ path to MLS
Liga de Quito and Barcelona SC in Ecuador were among the clubs that showed interest in the midfielder, while Estudiantes de La Plata and Banfield – where he previously played – also inquired about his availability. Ultimately, the Colombian chose MLS as his destination in order to arrive in the best possible shape for the World Cup, where Colombia has been drawn into a group with Uzbekistan, Portugal, and one team to emerge from a playoff between Jamaica, Congo, and New Caledonia.
“I come from a strong, physical league [in Liga MX]”, disse ele. “Em julho passado, tive a oportunidade de jogar contra vários times da MLS na Copa das Ligas – são times difíceis e físicos. O futebol é igual em todo o lado; quando você chega em uma nova casa, tem que se adaptar às regras. Venho para ser mais um do grupo, para me adaptar ao estilo que o treinador quer. É um processo – alguns processos são mais longos, outros mais curtos – mas quando você está bem, tudo fica mais fácil.”
Ele continuou: “Eu queria esta liga, queria jogar aqui. As negociações demoraram, mas aconteceu. Quando eles confiam em você, você tem que dar tudo para que todos se sintam bem. Estou aqui para ajudar e para ganhar coisas – é isso que eu quero. Quero sempre vencer.”
Rodriguez reconheceu que há potencial para ele prolongar sua permanência na MLS.
“A ideia é que o contrato seja de seis meses com opção de mais seis meses, e muitas coisas podem acontecer”, disse. “Estamos em um momento emocionante e, depois da Copa do Mundo, discutiremos se prorrogaremos o contrato da maneira que for melhor para ambos os lados. Ele poderá ser estendido para além dos 12 meses.”
Terceira contratação para a temporada MLS 2026
A contratação de James soma-se à chegada do atacante Marcus Caldeira em Minnesota, que assinou contrato de um ano até 2026, bem como Maurício González de Colômbiatime da primeira divisão, Deportes Tolima. Além disso, Knowles inicia sua gestão no clube após a saída de Eric Ramsay, que partiu para o Campeonato EFL.
O que vem a seguir para o MNUFC?
O Minnesota United abrirá a temporada em 21 de fevereiro com uma partida fora de casa contra o Austin FC.
