Colombian Midfielder James Rodriguez to Sign for Atletico Nacional

In a move that comes as a total shock for Colombian football, 35-year-old midfielder James Rodriguez has reportedly reached a definitive agreement to join Atletico Nacional. The blockbuster move, which is expected to be made official in the coming hours or days, brings the national team icon back to the country as a free agent following his departure from the MLS side Minnesota United in the aftermath of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With the Colombian transfer window for free agents ending this Friday, Nacional moved aggressively to secure the signature of a player desperate to anchor himself in a club that offered structural guarantees and a massive sporting project.

How Atletico Nacional brought James Rodriguez back to Colombia

The negotiations advanced at a breakneck pace, dramatically derailing Rodriguez’s imminent return to Europe. Just days ago, the Colombian was deep in negotiations with Avellino of Italy’s Serie B, who had presented a concrete and tempting offer.

However, Atletico Nacional capitalized on the moment to convince the superstar to remain in his home country. According to journalist Cesar Augusto Londoño on the program El Pulso del Futbol, Rodriguez actually delayed a scheduled flight to Madrid so he could undergo medical examinations with the Antioquian club in Medellin, setting up a decisive afternoon meeting to iron out the final contract details and sign the paperwork.

A crucial factor in hijacking the European deal was Rodríguez’s excellent ongoing relationship with Nacional’s manager, Lucas Gonzalez, with whom the player has maintained close contact since the World Cup. As the rumor mill went into overdrive, fueled further by Win Sports’ Sheyla García reporting the agreement and Argentine transfer expert German Garcia Grova definitively confirming that “James will play in Atlético Nacional”, the club’s official social media accounts began posting cryptic references to the number 10, stoking massive anticipation among the fanbase.

Once official, Atletico Nacional will become Rodríguez’s fifth club in the Americas, following previous stints with Banfield, São Paulo, León, and Minnesota United.

Juan Guillermo Cuadrado set to sign for Millonarios FC

While Medellin prepares for the arrival of its new number 10, the capital is responding with an equally monumental acquisition of its own. Adding to the unprecedented drama of the closing free-agent window, 38-year-old historic winger Juan Guillermo Cuadrado has reportedly agreed to terms with Bogota powerhouse Millonarios.

Following a recent spell with Pisa in Italy’s Serie A, the free-agent veteran was specifically targeted by the Millonarios board to fill the void left by Jhomier Guerrero, who recently suffered a severe injury that ruled him out for the remainder of the semester.

Also reported by Cesar Augusto Londoño, Cuadrado’s arrival in Bogota reportedly requires only a final signature, ensuring that two of the most legendary figures in modern Colombian football history will be competing on home soil this season.