European champions Real Madrid have completed the signing of Colombia’s 2014 World Cup star James Rodriguez on a six-year deal for a reported fee of €80m from Ligue 1 club AS Monaco.
Rodriguez’s big-money move to the Spanish capital was confirmed by the clubs this afternoon after the 23-year old completed a medical in Madrid, making him one of the most expensive footballers ever behind new teammates Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo as well as Barcelona’s Luis Suarez.
The left-footed forward’s arrival comes barely a week after World Cup-winning Germany midfielder Toni Kroos signed for Real Madrid from Bayern Munich in a £24m, and fuels speculation on the future of Angel di Maria who is linked with a move to French champions PSG.
In a statement by Monaco after the Rodriguez deal was confirmed, the French club revealed it had no intention of selling Rodriguez but Real Madrid’s bid for the forward was too significant be ignored.
”The club had no intention to sell the player, however the time came when the solution of a transfer was considered to be the most beneficial solution for all parties. Monaco is proud to be a party to one of the most significant transfers in football history.”
Rodriguez had joined Monaco from FC Porto in 2013 and helped the principality club finish second in Ligue 1 and qualify for the 2014/15 UEFA Champions League.
He then went on to score six goals in Brazil, including the goal of the tournament against Uruguay, as he inspired Colombia to a first ever quarter-final appearance at the World Cup.
Rodriguez will be presented to the public later tonight by Real Madrid at the presidential box of the Santiago Bernabeu.