Major League Soccer clubs had long coveted James Rodríguez. The Colombian star had been linked with American teams for years, and it always felt possible that he would eventually land in MLS. Few, however, imagined that Minnesota United would be his destination for the 2026 season.
Inter Miami seemed a far more natural fit. Rodríguez would have been a major attraction for South Florida’s large Colombian and Latino population, and a partnership with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez would only have enhanced Miami’s status as MLS’s glamour franchise.
Los Angeles also appeared logical. Even Houston, home to approximately 40,000 Colombians, would have made sense. Minnesota, by contrast, represents both a cultural and climatic shift — and a move to a club not traditionally viewed as a marquee destination.
A Tactical Reset in Minnesota
Yet the move could work.
Minnesota United are attempting to redefine their identity after two seasons of conservative football under Eric Ramsay, who departed last month to take over at West Brom. Last season, the Loons ranked last in MLS for average possession and leaned heavily on set pieces for attacking output.
Despite that approach, they finished fourth in the Western Conference and narrowly missed out on a deeper playoff run after a penalty shootout defeat. Ramsay’s exit presents an opportunity for stylistic evolution. Fans expect a more progressive, front-foot approach in 2026 — and Rodríguez’s arrival signals exactly that intent.
His creativity, vision and technical quality could transform a side that previously struggled to control games.
A World Cup-Focused Move
For Rodríguez, the transfer is equally strategic.
Now 34, he remains a central figure for Colombia and required a club situation that would keep him sharp ahead of the World Cup. Minnesota offers him the freedom to manage his workload while maintaining rhythm. He won’t be forced into relentless minutes at the expense of his international ambitions.
Rodríguez registered a combined 10 goals and assists during Colombia’s qualifying campaign, underlining his continued importance at international level.
Club football, however, has been inconsistent. He played just 14 Liga MX matches for León last season and 17 the year before. His stint at Rayo Vallecano lasted only four months, yielding six appearances before a contract termination. Injuries also disrupted his time at São Paulo.
It has been four seasons since Rodríguez featured in 20 or more matches in a single campaign — when he recorded eight goal contributions for Olympiacos in 2022/23. If Minnesota can extract similar productivity, the signing will be justified.
Reports suggest the deal is structured as a non-Designated Player contract, potentially with an extension clause through the end of the season. Should he settle quickly, his stay could extend beyond the World Cup.
MLS Arms Race in 2026
The broader MLS landscape is evolving rapidly.
Inter Miami have responded to losing Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets by adding Sergio Reguilón, Dayne St. Clair and Mexican forward Germán Berterame. Los Angeles FC boast a formidable frontline featuring Denis Bouanga and Son Heung-min. The Vancouver Whitecaps have retained the core of their MLS Cup finalist squad, while several other contenders — including Seattle, Philadelphia and FC Cincinnati — enter 2026 with high ambitions.
Minnesota’s acquisition of Rodríguez thrusts them firmly into that conversation.
That a player of his profile chose a non-glamour market is also significant for the league’s growth. Similar moves, such as Timo Werner joining San Jose, reflect a broader distribution of elite talent across MLS.
Rodríguez in Minnesota may feel unconventional — but it is precisely that unpredictability that makes it compelling. He gains a platform to prepare for the World Cup. Minnesota gain a player capable of moments of brilliance. MLS gains another headline.
As long as he adjusts to the cold, this could prove one of the most fascinating transfers of the 2026 season.