James Rodriguez unlikely for Avellino following Atletico Nacional agreement

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JULY 03: James Rodriguez #10 of Colombia looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Colombia and Ghana at Kansas City Stadium on July 03, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

Thursday’s reports indicate that the chances of James Rodriguez signing for Serie B side Avellino are looking increasingly slim, as the former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich star reportedly has an agreement in place with Atletico Nacional in his native Colombia. 

Earlier this week, there had been reports across Italy that 2014 World Cup Golden Boot-winner James Rodriguez, currently available as a free agent, was in discussions over a potential move to join Alessandro Nesta’s Avellino in the Italian second division. 

However, according to Thursday’s updates from transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, Rodriguez has rejected two offers from the Serie B outfit as he continues to explore opportunities elsewhere. 

According to Fabrizio Romano, Colombia’s all-time leading appearance maker now has a verbal agreement in place with Atletico Nacional in Medellin. The latest update claims that a deal is ‘in place’ and that the formal steps are due to follow in the near future. 

For Rodriguez, it would be a return to the Colombian top flight for the first time since leaving his boyhood club Envigado as a teenager all the way back in 2008.

Gianluca Di Marzio claims that Avellino have not yet given up hope on the signing of Rodriguez. He claims that the 35-year-old had shown an initial willingness to listen to Avellino’s offer, but the club have thus far been unable to convince him to sign.

Gianluca Di Marzio does confess that the chances of James Rodriguez joining the Serie B side have declined significantly over the last few days.