Colombian superstar James Rodríguez is a free agent after his contract ended

Rayo Vallecano caused a sensation in the transfer market this summer when they brought in 2024 Copa América Player of the Tournament James Rodríguez on a free transfer, having left Sao Paulo in Brazil. However, the former Real Madrid star has not had the desired impact in Vallecas.

There was no shortage of people excited about his arrival, but Rodríguez failed to convince coach Íñigo Pérez of his value, with Óscar Trejo and Isi Palazón enjoying playing time ahead. Marca says that Rayo and Rodríguez agreed to terminate their contract, and the Colombian star waived the ‘promotional part’ of his contract, which was around €1.2 million. His status changed after an interview with the same media, when he questioned the level of his teammates and the criteria of his coach, at which point the club decided to end his time there.

Rodríguez had one assist in his 7 appearances for Rayo, making just two starts in total, one of which was in La Liga and another in the Copa del Rey. Many saw Rodríguez’s lack of commitment to pressure and desire to play a free role as key obstacles to Pérez using him more frequently before the relationship soured.