James Rodriguez has been linked with Inter Miami for quite some time, with the Colombian international wanted by the Herons this January.
The former Real Madrid superstar has seemed destined for a move to MLS for some years now, with Rodriguez no longer one of the best players in the world despite remaining one of the biggest names in soccer through his past achievements for club and country.
Which is why it was no surprise why Inter Miami emerged as a destination for Rodriguez after the former Bayern Munich maestro terminated his contract with Rayo Vallecano, opening up the door for a move to MLS at long last.
However, one of Inter Miami’s FIFA Club World Cup rivals have beaten the Florida franchise to the punch with Rodriguez.
Club Leon announce James Rodriguez signing despite Inter Miami interest
Mexican club Club Leon announced the signing of Rodriguez last night, with Inter Miami losing out on the Colombia international to a side who the Herons could face at this summer’s Club World Cup.
With Inter Miami in a Club World Cup group featuring the likes of FC Porto, Palmeiras and Al-Ahly, Javier Mascherano’s side will feel confident in progressing to the knockout stage of the tournament, where an encounter with Rodriguez could be on the cards.
Indeed, Inter Miami specifically wanted Rodriguez for the Club World Cup, which is what makes this transfer hurt that bit extra for the Herons given that the attacking midfielder has now joined a rival team in the competition.
Yet with attacking midfield not a priority for Inter Miami this January, missing out on Rodriguez is not the end of the world for the MLS side, though watching the South American superstar with a Club World Cup will sting later this year.
What other superstars have Inter Miami been linked with?
Rodriguez might not be heading to Inter Miami anytime soon, but the former AS Monaco man is far from the only superstar the Herons have been linked with this January under new manager Mascherano.
Neymar has been strongly rumored with Inter Miami with the Brazilian set to leave Al-Hilal at the end of this season when the attacker’s contract with the Saudi Pro League side expires, opening the door for a move to Florida.
With Sergio Ramos also on Inter Miami’s radar, there is a real chance that the Herons could end the January transfer window with another superstar signing to add to their growing list of players, with Lionel Messi and friends in need of more top-quality company.