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James Rodriguez is reportedly set to leave Minnesota United after just three months, ending a frustrating MLS spell disrupted by injuries and fitness issues.
Minnesota United’s James Rodriguez (AFP)
The James Rodriguez experiment in MLS looks set to end almost as quickly as it began.
Just three months after arriving at Minnesota United in one of the most unexpected transfers in recent league history, the Colombian star is now reportedly heading for the exit door, with the club expected not to activate the option to extend his contract beyond June.
According to reports from The Athletic’s Tom Bogert and Apple TV’s Michele GiannoneMinnesota will allow Rodriguez’s short-term deal to expire after Wednesday’s clash against the Colorado Rapids.
That would bring an abrupt end to a move that initially generated huge excitement across MLS.
When Rodriguez signed for Minnesota in February, many were stunned that the former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich playmaker had chosen the Loons over more glamorous destinations like Inter Miami, LAFC or LA Galaxy.
The 34-year-old arrived on a contract that ran until June 30, with Minnesota holding an option to extend the deal through the end of 2026. The move was widely seen as an opportunity for Rodriguez to regain fitness and sharpness ahead of what will likely be his third and final FIFA World Cup with Colombia.
But things simply never got going.
Injuries, Fitness Issues, Limited Impact
Rodriguez struggled for rhythm almost immediately after arriving in MLS.
He did not make his debut until March 15 during Minnesota’s heavy 6-0 defeat to Vancouver Whitecaps and has since managed just four MLS appearances, starting only once and contributing no goals or assists.
In total, he has played only 103 league minutes.
Fitness concerns constantly interrupted his short stint. Initially, Rodriguez needed several weeks to build match fitness after not playing competitively since representing Colombia in November.
Later, he was hospitalised with severe dehydration following international duty in March, delaying his return further. Most recently, Minnesota confirmed he also missed a match due to a “previously scheduled routine medical procedure.”
Despite the star power surrounding his arrival, Rodriguez ultimately had little influence on the team’s strong start to the season. Minnesota have collected 20 points from their opening 11 matches largely without relying on the Colombian veteran.
His brightest moment arguably came during a narrow 1-0 defeat to LAFC, where he showed flashes of the creativity and composure that made him one of world football’s biggest stars during the 2014 World Cup.
What Comes Next?
Rodríguez is now expected to immediately join Colombia’s national team camp ahead of the World Cup, where he is still likely to play a central role.
Beyond that, though, his future remains uncertain.
Reports in Colombia have suggested Rodriguez could retire after the tournament, although no final decision has been made publicly.
If he does walk away, Minnesota may go down as the shortest club spell of his career.
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