James Rodríguez is Back in LaLiga: Rayo Vallecano Signs Colombian Star on Free Transfer
Rayo announced Rodríguez's arrival on Monday and Presa told the El Partidazo de COPE radio show that the forward's compatriot Radamel Falcao helped facilitate the surprise transfer for the Madrid club.
"I called him a month ago, directly," Presa said. "We have a mutual friend in Radamel Falcao. We saw what the possibilities were, and though at first it was difficult, in the end we achieved something historic for Rayo Vallecano: bringing in the MVP of the Copa América.
"We are a humble but ambitious team, like Napoli when they signed Maradona. Since then nothing like this had been achieved."
"Five weeks have passed since he played in the Copa América final and he's been on holiday; we're not going to risk his season by risking one game. He has to be handled carefully, he's like a Formula 1 driver, he has to last the whole season."
Sources told ESPN that Rayo are also interested in signing Netherlands international Memphis Depay after his contract with Atlético Madrid expired, though LaLiga's salary cap was complicating any potential deal.
Rayo host Barcelona on Tuesday with the Catalan club's new signing Dani Olmo likely to feature after an injury to Andreas Christensen allowed them to register the former RB Leipzig star.
The Return of James Rodríguez
James Rodríguez, who became a new player for Rayo Vallecano on Monday, will not make his debut for the Madrid side in Tuesday's La Liga match against Barcelona. This is partly due to a rest period after the Copa America but also to ensure he is fully prepared for the upcoming season.
With his move to Rayo, James, who was voted best player at the last Copa America, returns to the Spanish league, where he played for several seasons with Real Madrid (2014-2017 and 2019-2020).
"It's a bit of a wait because he's coming back from a rest after the Copa America but we're very happy with his arrival," said his new coach Inigo Perez at the pre-match press conference ahead of the match against Barcelona.
"James can play in all three midfield positions. Where he has done best is as a midfielder, but he can also play as an eight. He will do well in any position," said the Spanish manager.
"My experience with people who have achieved a lot, recently Falcao, is that there are two ways. Either they are inaccessible to the rest or they don't fail on a sporting or human level. If he is here it will be the second one."
A New Chapter for James Rodríguez
Rayo is celebrating its centennial season and opened the league with a 2-1 win at Real Sociedad and a 0-0 draw at Getafe.
“I feel great joy to join a historic club like Rayo,” Rodríguez said. “I really want to do things well. I feel that responsibility wherever I go. I like to win. Especially in such an important year for the club.”
A Fresh Start for a Proven Talent
James Rodríguez's career has been marked by highs and lows. While he dazzled for Real Madrid and Colombia, he struggled to find consistent form at Everton, Al-Rayyan, and Olympiakos. His move to Rayo Vallecano could be a fresh start for the 33-year-old. The club, celebrating its 100th anniversary, offers a platform for James to rediscover his best form, surrounded by a familiar environment and a team hungry for success. With Rayo's ambitions, James's experience, and his recent Copa América performance, a successful partnership seems possible.
What Lies Ahead for James and Rayo?
Rayo Vallecano's ambitious signing of James Rodriguez signifies their aspirations for the upcoming season. While it's early to predict the impact of the transfer, the excitement surrounding his arrival is palpable. James, with his proven talent and experience, could add a new dimension to Rayo's attack. This move has the potential to be a win-win for both the player and the club. James will be hoping to reignite his career, while Rayo will aim to capitalize on his talent to achieve their goals in LaLiga and beyond.
