The Roar's A-League Men tips and predictions: Round 26 - the jostle for finals positions is on in earnest
Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
Colombia’s World Cup revelation James Rodriguez was unveiled as Real Madrid‘s latest headline signing in front of tens of thousands of fans at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday.
Rodriguez, the top scorer at the World Cup in Brazil, has moved to the European champions from Monaco on a six-season contract.
Spanish media said Real paid about EUR80 million ($A120 million) for the 23-year-old playmaker, which if correct would make him the fifth most expensive player in history after Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Luis Suarez.
“It’s a lot of pressure to be here but I’m ready to take it on,” said Colombia’s poster boy, looking relaxed and smiling and sporting Real’s number 10 shirt – last worn by Mesut Ozil.
“My goal here is to always win, I don’t like losing,” he added.
“I’m thrilled to be here, it’s a dream come true, I hope to give a lot of pleasure,” he told a huge crowd estimated at about 40,000, including a significant number of Colombians.
Neither club confirmed the size of the transfer, but Monaco described it as “one of the biggest transfers in football history”.
Spanish sports daily Marca, which has close ties with Real Madrid’s board, said Real would pay EUR75 million ($A113 million) straight away and up to five million more in add ons.
Monaco paid EUR45 million ($A67.50 million) when he signed from FC Porto of Portugal.
Rodriguez’s six goals for his country at the World Cup won him the Golden Boot award.
A spectacular volley against Uruguay went down as one of the best goals of any World Cup.
He is Real’s second major signing in five days as they prepare for a new season of confrontation against eternal rivals Barcelona.
German midfielder Toni Kroos moved from Bayern Munich on Thursday, just days after the 24-year-old helped Germany win the World Cup.
Rodriguez had only been at Monaco for one year but his sizzling performance at the World Cup made him the number one target for many European clubs.
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Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
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