Former Barcelona striker Gary Lineker believes Monaco playmaker James Rodriguez’s proposed move to Real Madrid proves the best players in the world will only move to La Liga.
The two men generally accepted to be the leading footballers on the planet, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, ply their trade in Spain at Barca and Real respectively, while Liverpool’s Luis Suarez is on his way to the Nou Camp.
World Cup-winning Germany midfielder Toni Kroos this morning left Bayern Munich for European Cup holders Real, and Colombia talisman Rodriguez is, according to As, close to joining him.
Lineker fears it is becoming a trend for players at the top of their game to snub a move to the Premier League in favour of La Liga, and in particular its two most successful clubs – despite Atletico Madrid’s superb title triumph last term.
He said on Twitter: “James Rodriguez is on the brink of signing for Real Madrid.
“Further proof that the world’s best only want to join 2 clubs, RM or Barca.”
It is believed that Rodriguez will earn somewhere in the region of £5.9million per year, and could command a transfer fee of around £63m, with add-ons taking it closer to the £80m mark over a number of years.
However, if Real offer midfielder Casemiro as part of the deal, it is believed it will knock around £10m off Monaco’s final asking price.