The MLS continues to bring in big names into the league, and the latest eye-catching transfer was James Rodriguez joining Minnesota United as a free agent.
James Rodriguez last played for Club Leon in Mexico for a year and is now set to stay at Minnesota United until June 2026, with an option to extend his contract till the end of 2026.
The move caused a lot of reactions from fans and former players of the MLS, including USMNT and MLS legend Landon Donovan. The former LA Galaxy player was initially not a fan of James Rodriguez joining the MLS.
On his podcast with Tim Howard, Unfiltered Soccer, Donovan reveals that he 'hated' seeing James Rodriguez join Minnesota United, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching.
Photo by Minnesota United FC/MLS via Getty Images
Donovan explains why he thought it was a bad idea at first and then was relieved to hear that the Colombian star signed a six-month contract with the MLS club.
Landon Donovan on James Rodriguez joining MLS
On the Unfiltered Soccer Podcast, Landon Donovan and Tim Howard discussed James Rodriguez joining Minnesota United. Donovan expressed his frustration with high-profile players joining the MLS before a World Cup
Donovan said, "I could not have hated it more. I was like, 'This is the dumbest thing I've ever seen.' Then I found out that it was a six-month contract. He's still an important piece for Colombia. He still captains the [Colombia] national team. They're going to be playing in the World Cup."
Donovan's concern is that Minnesota United signs James Rodriguez for the long-term, where the Colombian star could no longer deliver on the pitch at a high level.
Donovan continued and said, "This is my biggest fear, and you see this all the time in soccer. He comes for six months, he's amazing. Tears up the league. And Minnesota's like, 'Oh man, what a guy. Let's sign him for a three-year deal.' And then [his form drops].