Minnesota United officially announced the signing of international star James Rodríguez, who will begin his first spell in Major League Soccer. Rodríguez will not occupy a Designated Player spot, and the deal is a short-term agreement set to run at least through the World Cup. The Colombian midfielder joins as a free agent after his contract with Liga MX side Leon expired in December.
Loons got their star
Cameron Knowles will have his first marquee signing as head coach with the arrival of Rodriguez, adding creativity and explosiveness to Minnesota United’s midfield. The former Real Madrid star has signed a short-term deal with the Loons, who finished fourth in the Western Conference last season and were eliminated in the conference semifinals.
“It’s the club that moved forward the most, it’s the club that wants me,” Rodriguez said when asked about his decision to sign with Minnesota instead of MLS‘ more marquee warm-weather teams. “When people want you, you have to give everything for them. You have to be fully focused here, train really well, and be ready to help.
“I’m in a unique and important stage of my career – I have the World Cup, I can’t fail. I have to do things right, and I’m very focused. It’s true that this was one of the main reasons why I could come here. The World Cup is a reason for me to be here. I want to be at my best and be able to win in Minnesota. I want them to get to know me, and for me to get to know them.”
It is a unique fit, though, as Minnesota United were one of the least possession-based teams in MLS last season. That certainly could change with the addition of the Colombian star, who has played for the likes of Real Madrid, Monaco, Porto, Bayern Munich, and Everton throughout his illustrious career.
James’ path to MLS
Liga de Quito and Barcelona SC in Ecuador were among the clubs that showed interest in the midfielder, while Estudiantes de La Plata and Banfield – where he previously played – also inquired about his availability. Ultimately, the Colombian chose MLS as his destination in order to arrive in the best possible shape for the World Cup, where Colombia has been drawn into a group with Uzbekistan, Portugal, and one team to emerge from a playoff between Jamaica, Congo, and New Caledonia.
“I come from a strong, physical league [in Liga MX],” he mentioned. “Final July, I had the chance to play towards a number of MLS groups within the Leagues Cup – they’re robust, bodily groups. Soccer is similar all over the place; whenever you arrive at a brand new house, it’s important to adapt to the principles. I’m coming to be yet another of the group, to adapt to the type the coach needs. It’s a course of – some processes are longer, others shorter – however whenever you’re good, every little thing turns into simpler.”
He continued: “I wished this league, I wished to play right here. The negotiations took time, however it occurred. Once they belief you, it’s important to give every little thing so everybody feels good. I’m right here to assist and to win issues – that’s what I need. I all the time wish to win.”
Rodriguez acknowledged there’s potential for him to increase his keep in MLS.
“The thought is for the contract to be six months with an choice for an additional six months, and lots of issues can occur,” he mentioned. “We’re in an thrilling second, and after the World Cup we’ll discuss whether or not to increase the contract in a method that’s finest for each side. It could possibly be prolonged past the 12 months.”
Third signing for the MLS 2026 season
The signing of James provides to the arrival of ahead Marcus Caldeira at Minnesota, who signed a one-year contract by way of 2026, in addition to Mauricio Gonzalez from Colombia’s first-division aspect Deportes Tolima. Moreover, Knowles begins his tenure with the membership following the departure of Eric Ramsay, who left for the EFL Championship.
What comes subsequent for MNUFC?
Minnesota United will open the season on Feb. 21 with a street match towards Austin FC.
