James Rodríguez’s Shocking Move: Which Argentine Giants Are Racing to Sign Colombia’s Star?

James Rodríguez finds himself at a crossroads, leaving many in the Colombia camp biting their nails. With the clock ticking down to the 2026 World Cup—less than half a year away—the midfield maestro is still without a club as the winter transfer window slams shut. The pressure isn’t just on him; it’s a ripple of concern for the entire Cafeteros squad, who rely heavily on their captain’s brilliance on the pitch. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, a flicker of hope has emerged. Word on the street from Argentina hints that James has piqued the interest of not one, but two clubs down south, potentially offering him the stage he desperately needs to gear up for the global showdown. Having parted ways with Club León after his contract expired last season, James has been navigating the tricky waters of free agency, only to stumble over hefty financial demands that have kept the moves at bay. Now, reports suggest proposals are on the table from Estudiantes de La Plata, steered by the legendary Juan Sebastián Verón, and Platense, who are seriously mulling over adding the Colombian star to their ranks. This development could be a game-changer—not just for James’s club destiny, but for Colombia’s World Cup ambitions as a whole. LEARN MORE

James Rodríguez’s situation has raised concern within the Colombia national team, as the midfielder has struggled to find a club during the winter transfer window with less than 6 months for the beginning of the 2026 World Cup. Now, hope for the Cafeteros has been reignited, with reports claiming Rodríguez has been offered to two teams in Argentina.

After his deal with Liga MX side Club León expired at the end of last season, James became a free agent, searching for a new club to prepare for the World Cup. However, contrary to expectations, the Colombian legend was unable to secure a move, largely due to his financial demands. Still, a new opportunity has now emerged.

As reported by Argentine outlet 0221 and cited by Infobae, James Rodríguez has been offered to Estudiantes de La Plata, a club chaired by Argentine icon Juan Sebastián Verón. Additionally, transfer expert César Luis Merlo revealed that Rodríguez has also been offered to Platense, who are seriously evaluating the possibility of signing him.

Even so, bringing in Rodríguez on a free transfer would still require a significant financial commitment for Argentine clubs, whose wage structures are more limited than those of other South American leagues, particularly Brazil’s. Both Estudiantes and Platense, however, have the advantage of competing in the Copa Libertadores, offering Rodríguez the opportunity to maintain high-level competitive minutes as he continues his preparation.

James Rodriguez of Leon

There are also questions surrounding Rodríguez’s match fitness, as his last appearance came on November 8 with Club León against Puebla, and he has been training individually since leaving Mexico. Still, the Argentine league is familiar territory for the midfielder, who previously played for Banfield in 2008 and helped the club win its first league title in 2009.

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Colombia preparing for the World Cup

With James Rodríguez serving not only as captain but also as Colombia’s leading scorer in the current CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the national team is eager to see him back on the field regularly. In the meantime, as his club future remains unresolved, Colombia’s path toward the tournament in North America is beginning to take shape.

In roughly six weeks, the March international window will begin, with Colombia heading to the United States for a pair of high-profile friendlies. The Cafeteros will first face Croatia on March 26 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, before traveling to Landover, Maryland, to take on France on March 29 at Northwest Stadium, two key matches where Rodríguez is expected to play a central role.