James Rodriguez set for shock move to obscure club managed by World Cup winner

Former Real Madrid star James Rodriguez has reportedly held talks over a shock move to an Italian Serie B club - where he would be managed by a World Cup winner.

Rodriguez was released by Minnesota United in July after the club chose not to trigger an option in his initial short-term contract which would have kept him in the MLS until the end of the year.

He has been without a club ever since but he is now 'very close' to joining Italian second-tier side Avellino, according to Spanish outlet MARCA.

James Rodriguez played only eight matches for Minnesota United (Image: Getty)

James Rodriguez set to join 14th club

The report claims that Rodriguez is 'very close' to an agreement with Avellino and an announcement could be made 'soon'.

The Serie B club are managed by AC Milan legend Alessandro Nesta, who won the 2006 World Cup with Italy.

Avellino are owned by the D'Agostino Group, an Italian construction company.

The club has folded on numerous occasions over the years, and were most recently re-founded in 2018 when they were blocked from competing in Serie B.

They have never played in the Serie A, and finished in eighth last season before being knocked out in the promotion play-offs.

Former Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri briefly took charge of the club in 2007, but resigned after just a month due to disagreements with the board.

Nesta has so far lasted slightly longer, having been appointed in June on a two-year contract.

Avellino sit fifth in the Serie B table after three matches, having won two games and lost one.

The arrival of Rodriguez would add significant star power to a squad that is otherwise short of high-profile players.

Why James Rodriguez is a free agent

Rodriguez's arrival in Minnesota brought with it much fanfare, with the 35-year-old targeted to spearhead a side that finished fifth in last season's Western Conference.

But his time in Major League Soccer proved to be a disaster. He made just eight appearances in all competitions, failing to score.

In March, while on international duty with Colombia, he was rushed to hospital following a defeat to France after 'showing signs of severe dehydration'.

Local media in Minnesota reported that the club's team doctor identified Rodriguez's medical issue to be 'serious'.

The club subsequently released an update on his condition, which read: "It is important to clarify that this situation is not related to musculoskeletal injuries, nor is it linked to his football activities."

READ MORE: New James Rodriguez update issued over 'serious' medical issue after star rushed to hospital

Rodriguez was released by Minnesota in May to allow him to prepare for the 2026 World Cup. Once the tournament ended, it was announced that he would not return to the club, with his original contract having expired in June. Minnesota held an option to extend it until December.