Former Real Madrid star set to join Serie B side

Real Madrid currently possess some of the best players in world football, with the club expanding their coast by bringing in the likes of Bernardo Silva this summer.

However, one player who has starred for the Los Blancos in the past is likely to begin a new adventure in the second division of Italian football.

According to reports from Spanish outlet Marca, 35-year-old James Rodriguez is set to join Serie B club Avellino under head coach Alessandro Nesta.

Rodriguez has reportedly spoken at length with Nesta and is in advanced negotiations with Avellino. Tuesday’s report indicates that the parties are nearing an agreement and that an official announcement could be made in the coming days.

 James Rodriguez represented Colombia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

A two-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid and a former winner of the World Cup Golden Boot, Rodriguez is currently available as a free agent after leaving MLS side Minnesota United earlier this year to focus on preparing for the 2026 World Cup with Colombia.

Rodriguez started in all five of Colombia’s matches at the 2026 World Cup, which ended in a penalty shoot-out elimination at the hands of Switzerland in the round of 16.

He is now the leading appearance-maker for his nation with 131 senior caps. Also placed second in the list of players with most goal for his country.

Only Radamel Falcao (36) has scored more goals for Colombia than Rodriguez (31).

Rodriguez has played for top clubs across Europe and that includes stints with Porto, Monaco, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Everton, Olympiacos, Sao Paulo and various others

A move to Avellino would be his first ever experience in Italy.

Avellino are currently fifth in the Serie B table after their first three league games of the 2026-27 season with two victories and one loss in the early stages of the new campaign.