Countdown for James
James is running out of opportunities to convince Zidane or increase his value for the next summer market. He has 11 league matches ahead of him and whatever the Champions League has to offer.
James (28) will have to squeeze the rest of the season to the maximum, as his contractual situation is delicate and his future is far from clear.
The Colombian's Real Madrid contract ends in 2021 and Los Blancos will have to sell him this summer or let him go for free if they don't sell him, but it remains to be seen what the player can give in what is left this season.
James is still starting as a substitute, but he is holding on to Zidane's promise that he needs all the players in the squad when they return to work, marked by the match load and the weather.
The midfielder has 11 league matches and whatever the Champions League has to offer Madrid to either convince the manager or revalue himself to find a good destination in the summer.
He doesn't lack suitors, but it's not an easy transfer. James has been linked with Newcastle and Atlético, who already tried to sign him last summer.
And Real Madrid want to fatten up their coffers, while at the same time offering James a competitive salary. The player earns 7.8 million euros net at Madrid.