América finally decides on James Rodríguez’s future with the talks taking a turn

The possibility of seeing James Rodríguez in the iconic yellow of Club América had fans buzzing, but the story took an unexpected turn this week. According to reports from Azteca Deportes, negotiations between the Colombian star’s camp and the Mexico City giants reached a standstill after both sides carefully evaluated the fit.

What stopped the move from happening

Behind the excitement, two factors defined the club’s hesitation: age and salary. At 34, James remains a player of proven class, but América’s sporting strategy has shifted toward youth and long-term planning. The financial side didn’t help either, sources indicate his camp floated a wage near $5 million a year, a number that immediately raised red flags within Coapa’s boardroom.

Even so, insiders insist the club took the approach seriously. The idea of pairing the ex-Real Madrid and Bayern Munich playmaker with América’s dynamic front line tempted many, yet leadership ultimately sided with fiscal control and roster balance over nostalgia and star power.

 

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A new frontrunner emerges in the north

With América stepping back, Tigres UANL is now positioned as the most realistic destination for the Colombian. The Monterrey powerhouse has the resources, ambition, and international mindset to take on a signing of that magnitude.

For Tigres, adding James could mean more than marketing, it could restore the creative spark they’ve lacked since their last continental push. For James, it might just be the fresh start his career needs in a league that still reveres his touch and vision.

Whether the story ends in Monterrey or somewhere else, one thing’s certain: James Rodríguez continues to move the market in Mexico, even when the deals don’t cross the line.