Overview
- James Rodríguez, who reached a verbal agreement this Thursday, has turned down offers from Serie B side Avellino and is set to return to Atlético Nacional according to transfer reporters and the Associated Press.
- Atlético Nacional has teased a No. 10 arrival on social media but has not yet issued a formal announcement and has kept the length and financial details of any contract private.
- Rodríguez had been a free agent after a brief 2026 stint with Minnesota United and a string of short spells since 2022 that limited his playing time.
- Atlético Nacional lead Colombia's Primera A and the club expects the signing to strengthen its push for the league title and a spot in the Copa Libertadores.
- Avellino has not officially withdrawn interest, but sources say its chances have fallen sharply while transfer insiders including Fabrizio Romano, Gianluca Di Marzio and Pipe Sierra report negotiations are in final stages.