James Rodriguez joins Bayern Munich on loan

The Real Madrid attacking midfielder has joined the German champions on a two year loan, with Bayern Munich having an option of buying the player.

The Colombian joined Real Madrid in 2014 after his exploits at the World Cup for £71m from Monaco.  He has however failed to nail down a starting role in the team on a consistent basis.  

IT'S OFFICIAL! #FCBayern have signed @jamesdrodriguez on a two-year loan deal. More to follow... #MiaSanMia #ServusJames pic.twitter.com/l6DToUrXxZ

— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) July 11, 2017

He has been linked with moves to Chelsea, Manchester United, Juventus and PSG in recent times.

The move to Bayern Munich links him up with former manager Carlo Ancelotti whom he worked with at Madrid.

An official statement from Real Madrid confirming the transfer read thus:

‘‘Real Madrid C. F. and Bayern Munich have agreed to the loan of the player James Rodríguez for the next two seasons, pending the relevant medical check-up.

Bayern Munich reserves the right to purchase the player at the end of the loan period.’’

Christian Falk from Sports Blid also reports that Bayern Munich will pay €5m for the loan and have to pay €35.2m to make the move permanent. 

The 25 year old made 30 appearances for Real Madrid last season, but was left out of the 18-man squad for the Champions League final win over Juventus.

He made 111 appearances for Real Madrid scoring 36 goals and had 41 assists to his name. In his three year spell at Real, James won two Champions League titles, one La Liga title and two World Club Cups.

He was due to fly with the rest of the Madrid squad to USA for pre-season, but will now team up with Bayern as they prepare for the start of their season in Asia.