James Rodriguez’s signing for Minnesota United was one of the biggest market moves in recent days considering the Colombian midfielder’s career. The arrival of the former Real Madrid player to MLS has generated a lot of excitement among fans, but there are others who see it negatively, especially because of the current form of the player.One of the most critical of James’ signing was United States legend Landon Donovan, who despite not doubting Rodriguez’s quality, believes that the proximity of the World Cup is the only thing that matters to the former Bayern Munich man.
Landon Donovan questions James Rodriguez’s signing in MLS
In a recent explosive edition of the Unfiltered Soccer podcast, US soccer legend Landon Donovan confessed his initial frustration at James’ move to Minnesota United.
Donovan, known for his outspokenness, did not hold back when discussing the signing with his former teammate Tim Howard. The legendary player admitted that his first reaction was one of absolute rejection, fearing that the league would fall back into old patterns by signing veteran figures for their name and not for their long-term projection.
I couldn’t have disliked it more. I thought, ‘This is the stupidest thing I’ve ever seen’. Then I found out it was a six-month contract
The key factor that softened Donovan’s stance was precisely the brevity of the deal. James, who joins from Club Leon in Mexico, initially signed until June 2026, coinciding exactly with the start of the World Cup.
Donovan’s fear about James’ future in Minnesota
Donovan’s central concern lies in what happens after the World Cup lights go out. James Rodriguez is still the captain and engine of the Colombian national team, and Donovan acknowledges that motivation will make him a dominant player in the short term.
“This is my biggest fear, and you see it all the time in football. He comes in for six months, he’s incredible. He breaks the league. And Minnesota says: ‘Oh, man, what a player. Let’s sign him for three years’. And then his level drops,” explained the former LA Galaxy player.
Despite the criticism, James Rodriguez knows that he must redeem himself after a bad spell at Leon in Mexico and Rayo Vallecano. The Colombian wants to be in good shape for the World Cup and these six months will be key for that.
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