James Rodriguez was the star of this summer's World Cup
Colombian playmaker James Rodriguez has joined Real Madrid from Monaco for the eye-watering sum of 63m. Luke Moore takes a look...
In a move that is likely to make the rest of Europe sit up and take notice (again), Real Madrid today announced the capture of the star of this summer's World Cup, Colombian playmaker James Rodriguez.
At 63m, it couldn't be argued he was a bargain, but the 23-year-old was already on good wages at Monaco (who paid a huge 38m for his services from Porto just 14 months ago) and Los Merengues are fiercely intent on becoming the first club in history to successfully defend the Champions League. They clearly felt he was worth the outlay.
Adept in many positions across the forward line and in midfield, Rodriguez scored in every game he played in the World Cup in Brazil and finished the tournament with the Golden Boot, his six goals being enough to beat Thomas Muller (five) and Neymar (four) to the famous award.
All this means that Madrid are likely to field a front three of Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez and Cristiano Ronaldo next season, a forward line that will strike fear into the hearts of any team that lines up against them and will give them more than a fighting chance of lifting that European Cup again when the final takes place next year in Berlin.
Earlier this week World Cup-winner Toni Kroos was also confirmed as a Madrid player, and Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas is expected to make the move from Levante after the two clubs agreed a fee.
In light of this transfer activity, Carlo Ancelotti's team have come in to 5.14/1 joint-favourites with Bayern Munich to win this season's Champions League, and they also odds-on to recapture La Liga from cross-city rivals Atletico. Real Madrid are currently just 1.9110/11 to lift their 33rd Spanish title, and with the amount of goals in their team it seems brave (or stupid) to bet against them.
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