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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.