Colombian star James Rodríguez will depart Minnesota United next week and will not return to the club after the World Cup, sources briefed on the situation said.

James is likely to leave Minnesota to join Colombia for the World Cup after Minnesota’s match Wednesday.

The contract James signed is through June 30 with an option for the second half of the year. Minnesota has not picked up that option and would have to do so by June 1. The club wanted to honor James’ wishes and would not pick up the option unless he wanted them to.

The decision will formally end an odd partnership, with James appearing in just four MLS games and starting once for Minnesota. The club plays its next match on Sunday at home against Austin FC.

AS Colombia reported that James may retire after the World Cup. Apple TV’s Michele Giannone also reported James will depart the Loons.

The 34-year-old featured in both of Colombia’s matches in the last international break. He will be a focal point for the team at the World Cup.

Minnesota sources describe James’ time with the team as his being a consummate professional despite often being unavailable.

SC Freiburg travels to meet Hamburger SV in the Bundesliga at Volksparkstadion on Sunday, May 10. The two clubs will play at 9:30 a.m. ET. SC Freiburg is currently seventh in the league, with 44 points. Hamburger SV is 12th, with 34.

How to watch SC Freiburg vs. Hamburger SV in the U.S.

SC Freiburg vs. Hamburger SV odds

Odds provided by BetMGM.

Injury reports

SC Freiburg

Yuito Suzuki: Out,

Patrick Osterhage: Out

Hamburger SV

Miro Muheim: Out,

Alexander Rossing Lelesiit: Out

Stats to know

• Igor Matanovic has eight goals in 29 games — tops on SC Freiburg, and 20th in Bundesliga.
• SC Freiburg’s goal differential is -8, which is eighth in the league.
• Fabio Vieira is Hamburger SV’s top scorer, with six goals (35th in league) in 27 games.
• Hamburger SV has a goal differential of -15 for the season, which ranks 12th in the league.

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Photo: Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images, iStock

Sunday in La Liga features Athletic Bilbao against Valencia, starting at San Mames Stadium at 10:15 a.m. ET. Athletic Bilbao has 44 points, ninth in the league. Valencia has 39 points, and is in 14th.

How to watch Valencia CF vs. Athletic Bilbao in the U.S.

Valencia CF vs. Athletic Bilbao odds

Odds provided by BetMGM.

Injury reports

Athletic Bilbao

Benat Prados Diaz: Doubtful

Valencia CF

Mouctar Diakhaby: Out,

Lucas Beltran: Doubtful,

Julen Agirrezabala: Doubtful,

Dimitri Foulquier: Out,

Thierry Correia: Out,

Copete: Out

Stats to know

• Gorka Guruzeta has nine goals in 33 games — No. 1 on Athletic Bilbao, and 19th in LaLiga.
• In terms of goal differential, Athletic Bilbao is 13th in the league at -10.
• Hugo Duro has nine goals in 32 games — the leading scorer on Valencia, and 19th in LaLiga.
• Valencia’s goal differential (-13) is 14th in the league.

This watch guide was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.

Betting/odds, ticketing and streaming links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.

Photo: Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images, iStock