Minnesota United is on the verge of signing Colombia captain James Rodríguez on a short-term deal, according to ESPN soccer reporter Jeff Carlisle.
According to Carlisle’s report, Rodríguez will not be joining Minnesota as a designated player, and his contract will run through the 2026 FIFA World Cup. So there isn’t much risk for the Loons to roll the dice on Rodríguez as a free transfer, especially on a “prove-it” short-term contract.
What is concerning about Rodríguez is that he’s 34 and hasn’t played in 20 league matches since his 2022–23 campaign for Super League Greece side Olympiacos.
Injuries, Fitness Questions and Motivation Concerns Surround Rodríguez
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Given the coast-to-coast travel and high fitness levels demanded by Major League Soccer, combined with his history of muscle injuries, it’s fair to ask if Rodríguez can handle the rigors of a 34-match MLS regular season should Minnesota extend his contract to a full-season commitment.
Rodríguez appeared in 17 matches across all competitions for Club León during the 2025-26 Liga MX season. His contract with León expired in December 2025.
No one is questioning that Rodríguez will provide highlight moments and set piece expertise for Minnesota. The issue is that his club form has rarely matched his national team exploits.
His motivation has also come into question, and he'll turn 35 in July.
He once complained that Germany was "too cold" during his two-year loan spell at Bayern Munich. Has he Googled the weather in Saint Paul, Minnesota, during the early and late months of the MLS season?
It feels like Minnesota will be another brief stop in a career that has been on a steady decline since 2015.