The summer transfer window never fails to be a chaotic, ridiculous and erratic business, but there are some entirely predictable deals every year.
Chelsea will sign a couple of talented youngsters but immediately loan them out. Juventus will embark upon a relentless campaign to acquire a percentage of various young Italian prospects, the majority of whom will never play for the club. But, most predictable of all, Real Madrid will sign a star player often after the World Cup.
It was on the world stage in Brazil 2014 when he announced himself fully that James Rodriguez signed for Real Madrid from Monaco for a fee of €80m after an outstanding display at the world stage for Colombia at the World Cup.
The Colombian golden boy is no flash in the pan though – he signed for Monaco last summer from Porto for a fee of €45m and finished the season with nine goals and 12 assists in 34 appearances.
€80m transfer fee seems to be a bit expensive for Rodriguez, but his performance at the World Cup convinced Real president Florentino Perez to splash whooping €80m cash on the Columbian striker.
It is not crazy money given his quality though – James really is a top class player but the timing of the deal means Real have to pay the highest price.
James had a difficult start in France but he ended up being the best individual talent in Ligue 1 last season alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic at PSG.
He effortlessly inspired and contributed to his club success last season, helping Monaco secure the return of Champions League football for the first time since 2006 during 2013-14 Ligue.
Forgetting about his transfer value for a moment, his performances alone with Monaco made him a high profile player and was enough to make him play for one of the best teams in the world– and now he has secured his big move after his incredible World Cup.
James formed an integral part of an exciting Colombia attack that almost overcame hosts Brazil in the quarterfinals, and scored the goal of the tournament.
The six goals Rodriguez scored made him the winner of the World Cup Golden Boot and his goal also claimed the best shot in Brazil and highly unfortunate not to be awarded the Golden Ball too.
Real Madrid have bought a player that can play in a number of positions. He is comfortable on both wings, as a playmaker or as a second forward behind a striker.
James joined an elite list of superstars including Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Zinedine Zidane and David Beckham who currently play for or who have played for Real Madrid.
The influential Colombian youngster has amazing abilities that include: pinpoint passing accuracy, incredible vision and selfless nature make him an accomplished playmaker capable of crafting plenty of opportunities for his team mates. Make no mistake, however, James is also capable of finding the net himself, as demonstrated by his six goals in Brazil.
The highly dynamic youngster also has a frightening turn of pace and is an expert in dead ball situations; a quick, clever and visionary midfielder with an eye for goal.
He might fit in a 4-2-3-1 formation behind Benzema, as Ronaldo and Bale won’t move from the wings.
James could become one of Real’s most important signings in years. He boasts the creativity, goal-scoring ability, work rate, tactical discipline and flexibility to play in any formation and any style of play.
James is the fourth-most expensive player of all time behind only Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Suarez. He is also the brother-in-the-law of Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina.
Managers are always delighted to welcome footballers as talented as Colombian James.
“You just wanted to see him have the ball, and when you want somebody to have the ball it is always a sign of exceptional quality, and he definitely has that,” said Arsene Wenger of James’ impressive World Cup, July 2014.
Did Real Madrid actually need him? Or will the arrival of James push Real Madrid chances of treble titles in 2014-15? Only time will tell.
Anthony Nlebem
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