Sportsbooks Say Real Madrid are Favorites to Complete Move for James Rodriguez

After recording six goals to his name at the World Cup 2014, Colombian winger James Rodriguez has become hot property with Real Madrid touted as his next destination.

Currently, any top side in Europe would like to have the young Colombian grace their shirt. However, not every club has the means to execute a transfer that could potentially eclipse this summer’s most expensive acquisition by Barcelona, Luis Suarez (EUR 94 million).

According to gambling news, the current numbers being discussed are somewhere around the EUR 100 million mark. Spanish side Real Madrid are the only club that has both the financial muscle and the important prestige that ambitious players seek, to see that the transfer goes through.

World Cup performance ignites Real’s pursuit

• Rodriguez signed for AS Monaco for EUR 45 million in 2013

• Colombian’s value now is more than double the initial transfer fee

• Real Madrid lead the chase for the talented winger

AS Monaco purchased Rodriguez from Porto during the 2013 summer transfer window for a deal believed to be worth around EUR 45 million. The timing of last year’s transfer worked out pretty well for the French club, as now the 23-year Colombian is worth more than double that amount.

Before the World Cup commenced Rodriguez was touted as a future star, however his performance at the tournament transformed into an overnight superstar. With the absence of striker Falcao, the speedy winger notched an impressive six goals which eventually won him the golden boot award after the competition.

Real Madrid likely destination

Online sportsbooks in Spain have given Real Madrid the best odds of securing Rodriguez’s signature for the following season, offering 1/7 (1.14) to the team from the Spanish capital. AS Monaco Vice President and Chief executive Officer, Vadim Vasilyev, reportedly initially told Real that they would have to shell out over EUR 100 million for the talented forward.

However, with unofficial talks held between the two sides the revised sum demanded would be closer to EUR 75 million. “Los Blancos” are looking to spend somewhere in the vicinity of EUR 60 million for the Colombian.

Real Madrid’s fiercest rivals FC Barcelona have recently signed the highly controversial Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez for EUR 94 million from Premier League side Liverpool. Some reports indicate that the Catalan giants are not satisfied with only one marquee summer signing, but are keen to add another star player to their ranks.

Other clubs also show signs of making an offer for the Colombian

Rumors are circulating that James Rodriguez is the man Barcelona are after. However, taking into account a number of important factors that deal seem rather unlikely to happen. The young winger has previously stated that his “dream move” would be to Real Madrid, where he would have a chance to play alongside his favorite idol Cristiano Ronaldo.

Additionally, Barcelona have spent a great deal of money to bring Suarez to the Nou Camp, leaving little funds available for a transfer that would require at least EUR 65 million. Therefore, mobile betting sites have given Barcelona odds of 14/1 (15.00), highlighting the improbable transfer.

Another big name French club has recently emerged as a contender for the highly skilled player. Paris Saint-Germain are backed by the millions that come the Qatar Sports Investment group (QSI), that have ties to the wealth of the oil industry. Bookmakers have ranked them outsiders just like Barcelona, with 14/1 (15.00) odds, as a transfer deal looks unlikely.

Bundesliga’s FC Bayern Munich and Premier League team Chelsea have also been dealt the same odds of 14/1 (15.00), as they don’t seem to rank as serious destination for Rodriguez. Fellow English league rivals Arsenal are the side with one of the worst odds of pulling off a surprise move for the Colombian. Their odds stand at 20.1 (21.00).

Should Italian champions Juventus finally complete the transfer of Arturo Vidal to Manchester United and possibly sell Frenchman Paul Pogba to Chelsea, then they might have the funds to go after Rodriguez. However, they are not serious challengers for the Champions League title and do not rate highly with betting firms, as their odds are also 20/1 (21.00)

Although AS Monaco’s chief exec has constantly denied that Rodriguez’s transfer deal to Real Madrid is imminent, it seems merely a matter of time before the Blancos get their target player. They can offer him something that the French club cannot, and that is challenging for major trophies like the European title.