Real Madrid forward James Rodriguez has signed a two-year loan deal with Bayern Munich with the option to buy outright. The 25-year-old, Columbian international who signed a six-year contract at Real when he joined from Monaco for £71m in July 2014, made just 22 appearances in La Liga last season.
He had been linked with a summer move to both Premier League champions Chelsea as well as Manchester United. But Bayern Munich swooped in to secure his services until 2019.
"Signing James Rodríguez was our coach Carlo Ancelotti's biggest wish," said Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.
"We're delighted we've been able to complete this transfer."
"James is a versatile player. He is dangerous, creates many chances and has a great standard of shooting. With this transfer, we have been able to raise the quality of our team." continued Rummenigge.
He made 111 competitive appearances for Real, scoring 36 goals and providing 41 assists, but was left out of the 18-man squad that beat Juventus in the Champions League final last season.
Rodriguez has been included in the squad that will travel to China and Singapore on Sunday for a 12-day tour by Bayern, who have won the last five Bundesliga titles.
