James Rodríguez Nears León Exit Amid Club Struggles, MLS Interest Reported

James Rodríguez is set to leave Club León at the end of 2025 as his contract expires and the Mexican club has decided not to renew it due to unmet expectations and the team's poor performance. Despite being the captain and a star player, León is struggling in the Liga MX standings, prompting the club to seek new leadership, possibly in the form of Brazilian forward Luciano da Rocha Neves. Rodríguez, who has scored five goals and provided eight assists in 32 games for León, is considering offers from other Liga MX teams as well as the MLS, with the latter option less appealing due to its later season start. The Colombian midfielder aims to secure regular playing time ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where he is expected to captain his national team. His departure marks another chapter in his career, which includes stints at clubs like Real Madrid, Everton, and Sao Paulo. León's pursuit of a replacement reflects their desire for a fresh start as they face ongoing challenges in the league.