Rapids Make Largest Cash-for-Player Trade in MLS History
The deal sets an MLS record and gives St. Louis a proven scorer after losing Joao Klauss, with up to $250,000 more possible.
- On Wednesday, The Colorado Rapids traded forward Rafael Navarro to Louis City for $12 million, setting an MLS record for the highest transfer fee paid between league clubs.
- A 26-year-old Brazil native, Navarro joined Colorado on loan from Brazilian side Palmeiras in 2023, recording 44 goals and 12 assists in 114 appearances before the trade.
- Colorado Rapids Head Coach Matt Wells praised Navarro as an 'outstanding player,' noting his mentality and recalling his solo run against Messi earlier this year at Empower Field.
- To fill the vacancy, Colorado signed replacement forward Sayed Abu Farkhi from Israeli Premier League side Maccabi Tel Aviv for around $6 million, with homegrown youngster Darren Yapi also available.
- Louis City acquires Navarro to bolster their attack with up to $250,000 in performance incentives, positioning the club to improve its Western Conference standing from sixth place.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Colorado Rapids made largest cash-for-player trade in MLS history
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Colorado Rapids have completed the largest cash-for-player trade package in Major League Soccer (MLS) history. The Rapids traded forward Rafael Navarro to St. Louis SC for $12 million. According to the team, the club will retain a sell-on percentage and could get an additional $250,000 based on performance incentives.
St. Louis City pays record $12M for Rapids' Rafael Navarro
Official: Colorado Rapids Trade Rafael Navarro to St. Louis for Club Record Intra-League $12 Million
Commerce City, Colo. – Colorado Rapids have traded DP striker Rafael Navarro to St. Louis City SC for a club record intra-MLS transfer. Colorado confirmed the $12 million cash transfer Wednesday evening. The deal includes a sell-on clause and $250,000 in incentives, making it potentially the largest MLS cash transfer to date. St. Louis has […]
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