Bayern Munich’s Colombia international, James Rodriguez, has become a Spanish citizen.
The 27-year-old winger joined Bayern on a two-year loan deal in the summer of 2017 from Real Madrid.
The news of his new dual-citizen status was reported by El Confidencial and Spanish news agency EFE.
James is tied to Real Madrid until June 2021, however, Bayern have a unilateral option to purchase his rights for a reported €42 million.
By taking citizenship of a European Union country, James becomes a more attractive option for clubs as he would join as an EU player and free up a non-EU squad place.
The Colombian-born James moved to Spain following the 2014 World Cup when Madrid paid €80m to acquire him from Monaco. Despite not being a regular starter at Madrid, James played 111 times in his three-year spell at the Bernabeu, scoring 36 goals and providing 41 assists. He won two Champions League medals, one La Liga title and two FIFA World Club Cups.
James was on the books of Argentinian side Banfield before moving to FC Porto in 2010. He signed for Monaco in May 2013. He has scored seven goals and set up seven more in 18 league appearances for the Bundesliga leaders.