James Rodriguez was one of Club Leon's big acquisitions for Liga MX. The Colombian midfielder would represent a problem for the team's finances. James would leave the emerald green team. Several reports have explained that the emerald green team will not exercise the contract renewal clause on James Rodriguez. The problem lies in his high financial demands, money that Leon cannot pay It is estimated that the Colombian earns around $600,000 USD per month ($7.2 million USD annually). “Leon said, well, I’m going to the Club World Cup, just by showing up there I’m going to take home almost nine million dollars, that’s where James’ salary will come from, and absolutely nothing happens, that money doesn’t arrive, and now, well, it’s practically impossible to support him financially, and that’s why Leon has said, let’s part ways,” reported Cesar Caballero. It’s worth remembering that Club Leon’s plans were thwarted after FIFA excluded them from the 2025 Club World Cup. The organizing body decided to exclude the Mexican team due to issues of multiple ownership. Pachuca was able to compete in the tournament. James isn’t leaving. Despite the fact that James Rodriguez wouldn’t be considered by Leon’s management, the Colombian footballer’s objective is to remain in Mexico. The former Real Madrid player already has two suitors in Liga MX. “James wants to stay, I can assure you of that. What I've been told is that the World Cup is very close, he wants to be on this side of the hemisphere, he wants to be here in Liga MX, he likes it, he wants to stay in Mexican soccer. There are two clubs that have already inquired about him,” he added. James Rodriguez arrived in Liga MX in January 2025. Since then, the Colombian has played 32 matches with the Emeralds. James has contributed 5 goals and 8 assists in just over 2,800 minutes on the field.

James in the Apertura 2025