The future of James Rodríguez remains a mystery, although a Liga MX move is still on the cards as his contract at Club León is set to expire at the end of the year.
Earlier this month, it was announced that the Colombian captain would leave León after 27 appearances in Guanajuato, where he netted five goals and made seven assists.
What started out as a match made in heaven, soon turned sour, with the side finishing the Liga MX Apertura in 17th place, two points ahead of bottom-side Puebla.
As Rodríguez turns his focus to 2026, his aim is to be match fit ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is currently exploring his option to join a new team.
Whilst reviewing his option amid a León exit, reports are suggesting that the 33-year-old would be open to staying in Mexico.
Journalist César Luis Merlo suggests that Rodríguez enjoys the level of Mexican football and believes it would be a good option to maintain his fitness, to remain as the Colombian captain for next summer's showpiece event.
James Rodríguez to Pumas?
Pumas are looking for attacking recruits to stregethen their efforts of competing for the playoffs in 2026 following a disappointing Apertura campaign which saw the club crash out during the Play-In.
Throughout the summer, Pumas were linked with high-profile attackers but failed to land any of their main interests. One player they did manage to sign was Welsh international Aaron Ramsey, who is set for an early exit following some troubling off-field problems.
¡SE QUEDA EN LA LIGA MX!
— Andre Marín (@andremarinpuig) November 29, 2025
De acuerdo a información de Fox Sports, James Rodríguez sí se quedará en la LigaMX, pero cambiará al León por los Pumas.
La idea de jugar junto a Keylor Navas y vivir en la capital del país habrían llamado mucho la atención del '10' colombiano. pic.twitter.com/ULFAklDbzm
As Los Universitarios turn their attention to the new year, the club are targeting a new striker and attacking midfielder. Just weeks after crashing out of the Apertura, reports suggest that the club are making advances in both fields.
Pumas recorded the second fewest number of goals of any of the top 10 teams in the Apertura, only worsened by Pachuca. During the season, they picked up a mere five wins in 17 games, failing to capitalise in times where they dominated the match.
If the deal goes ahead, Rodríguez will join up with former Real Madrid teammate Keylor Navas who joined the club last summer from Newell's Old Boys in Argentina.
The search continues for a striker to accompany the potential arrival of Colombia's captain, but reports indicate that Pumas are in advanced talks with the San José Earthquakes for a deal to sign Cristian Arango.
To truly bolster their options at the top of the pitch, Pumas are also rumoured with Tigres' Uriel Antuna, who failed to hit the heights after impressice during his time at Cruz Azul.
Will James Rodríguez become a Pumas player ahead of the 2026 Liga MX Clausura? Let us know what you think!
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