The pact between James and Real Madrid hours before his exit to Munich

As reported by Spanish daily 'Marca', the Colombian extended his contract by one year, until 2021, hours before travelling to Germany.

This move is part of Real Madrid's plan to avoid the playmaker's devaluation. If by the end of his two-year loan deal Bayern Munich do not exercise their right to buy, he would have only had one year remaining on his contract.

After the extension, Real Madrid give themselves time to plan his future, with two years left on his deal when his time in Munich comes to an end.

In total, Bayern will pay around 35 million euros once the loan period terminates, and Real Madrid will also save on having to pay the Colombian's wages, which amount to 10 million euros a year.