Thursday’s Atletico Nacional pact leaves Avellino’s hopes fading

Thursday’s reports make clear that 2014 World Cup Golden Boot-winner James Rodriguez is unlikely to join Serie B side Avellino, as the former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich forward has a verbal agreement with Atletico Nacional in his native Colombia.

Earlier this week, Italian media reported that the free‑agent was in talks with Alessandro Nesta’s Avellino, sparking speculation across Italy about a possible return to European football.

Competing offers

Transfer specialist Gianluca Di Marzio said Rodriguez has turned down two offers from the Serie B club and is still weighing other possibilities. He added that the 35‑year‑old showed an initial willingness to listen, but Avellino have not yet convinced him to sign, causing the chances of a move to decline sharply.

Di Marzio also noted that Avellino have not given up hope, having already held two calls with the Colombian’s agents and remaining prepared to relaunch negotiations.

Atletico Nacional agreement

According to Fabrizio Romano, Rodriguez now has a verbal agreement with Atletico Nacional in Medellín, with a deal ‘in place’ and formal steps expected soon. The move would mark his first return to the Colombian top flight since leaving his boyhood club Envigado in 2008.

Colombian market rules dictate that the transfer window closes tomorrow, and Avellino are ready to offer a base salary exceeding one million euros plus image‑right bonuses, even proposing almost one million two hundred thousand euros as a fixed component. Melbourne has also shown interest, but their offer is reportedly lower than the Campanian club’s.

If Atletico Nacional confirms the deal tomorrow, Rodriguez’s future will be sealed and Avellino’s pursuit will remain a dream; should the Colombian side decline, Avellino plan to re‑engage the player’s representatives in the coming days.