Italy's Serie B calling: Avellino eyes James Rodríguez

A national team captain, a free agent, and an Italian Serie B club knocking on his door. It sounds like an overblown rumor, but the Italian press is reporting it with names attached: James Rodríguez is reportedly on Avellino's radar.

The story was first published by TuttoSport, which claims the club led by Alessandro Nesta has been in contact with the Colombian's camp for several days now, right after the team's road win in Modena. The idea is straightforward: sign him as a free agent and give the squad the kind of attacking talent it's missing in its push for promotion to Serie A.

James has been without a club since leaving Minnesota United midway through the year, and he hasn't played an official match since. His last appearance came on July 7, in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup, when he played 66 minutes in Colombia's scoreless draw against Switzerland. Since then, there's been nothing but silence on the field for a player who was once among the most decisive on the continent.

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What's notable is the approach Avellino has taken to convince him. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian club hasn't stopped at formal phone calls. They've sent video material to the player's inner circle to show him what soccer feels like in Avellino and the Irpinia region, that South American style passion they say they recognize in the local stands.

"Rodríguez is eager to play regularly, especially with his national team, since Colombia is counting on him for the Copa América"Gazzetta dello Sport

And that's really the crux of it. James needs rhythm. He needs minutes. And he needs to show Néstor Lorenzo that he remains a reliable piece heading into the next Copa América. A player of his caliber going months without official competition is a risk that neither he nor the Colombian federation wants to take.

His last European experience was with Rayo Vallecano in 2024, a brief half season in which he managed just seven appearances. It wasn't the dream return to Spain many had hoped for, and since then his career has taken a less prominent path than the one he had at Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, or Everton.

Will he actually land in Italy's Serie B? It's still too early to say, but Avellino's interest appears genuine. The club sits fifth in the standings with six points, three behind leaders Palermo, and knows that a name like James Rodríguez wouldn't just add quality on the field. It would also bring visibility and ambition to a project dreaming of Serie A.