# James Rodríguez signs with Atlético Nacional

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/james-rodrguez-transfer-negotiations
> Updated: 2026-09-10T16:59:31.000Z. Sources: 77. Developments: 2.

Colombian footballer James Rodríguez, a free agent following his departure from Minnesota United, entered advanced negotiations to join the Italian Serie B club Avellino. Avellino president Angelo Antonio D’Agostino confirmed ongoing talks regarding a potential one-year contract, with manager Alessandro Nesta reportedly playing a key role in presenting the club’s sporting project to the 35-year-old.

However, Rodríguez subsequently declined the offer from Avellino to pursue a move back to Colombian football. He reached a verbal agreement to join Atlético Nacional, a move that would mark a significant return to his home country. While the Italian side had presented a competitive project, Rodríguez reportedly preferred the sporting project offered by the Medellín-based club.

Atlético Nacional has now officially announced the signing of the midfielder, marking his return to domestic football after nearly two decades abroad. The 2014 World Cup top scorer and Puskás Award winner joins the club as a free agent. The signing is reportedly a contract lasting until June 30, 2027. The club emphasized that the signing was the result of “extensive work and commitment to the institution.”

The signing is viewed as a transformative move for both the player and the club. For Atlético Nacional, Rodríguez brings immense international experience and leadership to the squad, which currently competes in the Liga BetPlay and the Copa Libertadores. The move is also expected to have significant commercial and media impact on the domestic league.

## Claims

- James Rodríguez has reached a verbal agreement to join the Colombian club Atlético Nacional. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The player rejected an offer from Avellino, an Italian Serie B team. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Atlético Nacional is preparing logistics for medical examinations and contract signing. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-10: James Rodríguez signs with Atlético Nacional

Colombian star James Rodríguez has officially signed with Atlético Nacional, returning to his home country's league after 18 years playing for major international clubs.

53 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/james-rodrguez-reaches-verbal-agreement-with-atltico-nacional

### 2026-09-08: James Rodríguez in advanced talks to join Avellino

James Rodríguez is in advanced talks to join Italian Serie B side Avellino, seeking a return to Europe to prepare for the 2028 Copa América.

30 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/james-rodrguez-in-advanced-talks-with-avellino

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Cite as: James Rodríguez signs with Atlético Nacional. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/james-rodrguez-transfer-negotiations