Colombia have been one of the standout teams of the tournament so far. They were tipped as the tournament’s dark horses and have lived upto the billing so far. José Pékerman’s side will however face their biggest challenge yet when they face hosts Brazil in a Quarter-Final encounter. Ahead of the all important match, let’s take a look at five players from the Colombian World Cup squad who are likely to be involved in the current transfer window.
James Rodriguez
The AS Monaco youngster is currently the hottest property in the world of football. The 22 year old grabbed his fourth and fifth goals of the campaign with a wonderful brace against Uruguay, the first of which was a breathtaking volley from almost 25 yards out.
Rodriguez’s form does not come as a surprise for the youngster had always been tipped to achieve bigger things. His €45 million move to Monaco last season despite his young age did not raise any eye brows since the former Porto man is very much worth the money.
The Colombian enjoyed a fruitful campaign with Monaco helping them to finish second in Ligue 1 and thereby secure a place in Europe’s elite competition. However Rodriguez might not be part of Monaco’s roster next season with the youngster on the radar of several European heavyweights. Real Madrid seem to be in the pole position to sign the talented playmaker with Rodriguez himself revealing his desire to play for Los Blancos.
Juan Cuadrado
The 26 year old is another player who has been very impressive for Colombia. Cuadrado currently leads the assists chart in the World Cup with four assists to his name and has coupled it with a single goal as well.
One of Cuadrado’s biggest strength is his versatility. The Fiorentina man is an accomplished winger but can also play as a full back something which has attracted the likes of Bayern Munich and Barcelona. The Bavarians are looking to use Philipp Lahm in the midfield whereas Barcelona are looking to replace Dani Alves and Cuadrado could prove to be very useful for both clubs.
However Cuadrado is not short of options and if he wants to continue playing on the flanks there are a host of other clubs who are desperate for his signature, with Manchester United one of the suitors. The Red Devils are believed to have tabled a £32million for the Colombian’s services but Fiorentina are reportedly holding out for £40million.
Jackson Martinez
The 27 year old rose to prominence after a very successful debut season with FC Porto which saw him scoring 31 goals in just 40 appearances. He carried his fine form to the second season registering 29 goals for his club in all competitions but has been unable to cement a permanent place in the starting lineup with Teófilo Gutiérrez preferred over him to lead the line.
However Martinez was given a chance to prove his worth in the last two matches and he made full use of the opportunity scoring a wonderful brace in his first start of the World Cup against Japan and followed it with an impressive outing against Uruguay.
Whereas there will definitely be a number of clubs hoping to sign him, Martinez has his eyes set on a move to Arsenal a club he supported as a child. Arsenal are in dire need of a world class striker and the Porto striker fits the bill. Martinez has a £35million buyout clause in his contract, which Arsene Wenger is reportedly willing to meet.
Fredy Guarín
The Inter Milan midfielder is a regular starter for his club but has fallen down the pecking order in the national side. The 28 year old was involved in a transfer debacle in the winter transfer window when the Colombian was supposed to move to Juventus in an exchange deal which also included Mirko Vucinic who was supposed to move to the other side.
However the Nerazzurri pulled out of the deal after it was reported that an agreement had been reached between the two clubs. Man United have also shown an interest in the midfielder in the past but it remains to be seen whether the Red Devils will be willing to make a move for him having already signed Ander Herrera.
David Ospina
The 25 year olds efforts have resulted in Colombia conceding just two goals in the World Cup so far and even though he does not carry a big transfer fee, Ospina could secure a move to a bigger club next season.
The athletic goalkeeper who plays his trade at French club Nice is reportedly a target for Arsenal who are looking to replace Lukasz Fabianski who signed for English club Swansea after being released by Arsenal. Ospina who has been at Nice for six seasons now recently renewed his contract with the club but would be unable to resist the temptation of moving to a bigger club.
