Avellino Nearing Deal for Former Real Madrid Star James Rodriguez
Avellino are closing in on an extraordinary Serie B signing after entering advanced talks with former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder James Rodriguez. Sporting director Mario Aiello has confirmed that negotiations for the Colombian captain are approaching their final stage, with only a narrow gap reported between the club and the player’s side.
Nesta connection gives Avellino a credible route to James
The proposed move has been driven largely by James’ relationship with Avellino coach Alessandro Nesta. The former Italy defender, a World Cup winner in 2006, has personally encouraged the 35-year-old to consider joining his promotion-chasing side.
James is available after his spell in MLS with Montreal Impact, and Avellino made their first approach to his representatives around a month ago. The club also sought to underline the scale of local support by sending footage of its fans to the player’s camp.
Aiello said the discussions had reached a decisive moment and indicated that an agreement could be completed within hours. Should the terms be finalised, James is expected to travel to Italy for medical examinations before linking up with Nesta’s squad.
Timeline of Avellino’s pursuit
- Avellino opened contact with James Rodriguez’s representatives approximately one month ago.
- The Serie B side presented supporter footage as part of its effort to convince the midfielder.
- Nesta used his personal connection with the Colombia international to support the negotiations.
- Talks moved into an advanced phase, with the remaining distance between the parties described as limited.
- A completed agreement would lead to James travelling for a medical before joining the squad.
A statement signing for a promotion contender
James’ arrival would be an exceptional development for a club competing in Italy’s second division. His career has included spells with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, while he remains captain of Colombia. For Avellino, it would signal an intent to turn a promising league position into a sustained challenge for promotion.
President D’Agostino has already backed the squad financially this season, most notably through the signing of Walid Cheddira from Napoli. The pursuit of James would go beyond that previous investment in both profile and experience.
It also comes seven years after Napoli were unable to bring James to Campania. Avellino’s attempt to succeed where their regional rivals did not underlines the scale of the club’s ambition.
League position strengthens the case for the move
Avellino’s recent away win against Modena lifted them to fifth in the Serie B table. They are three points behind leaders Palermo, leaving Nesta’s side firmly involved in the battle at the top of the division.
- Avellino are fifth in Serie B after winning away at Modena.
- The club trail Palermo, the division’s leaders, by three points.
- James Rodriguez is 35 and became available following his MLS spell with Montreal Impact.
- Sporting director Mario Aiello has publicly confirmed the advanced negotiations.
- Any completed deal will be followed by medical checks in Italy.
For Avellino, the immediate task is to convert encouragement into a signed agreement. If they do, Nesta would add one of the most recognisable attacking midfielders of his generation to a squad already positioned to compete for a return to the top flight.
