The Colorado Rapids have locked down top goal-scorer Rafael Navarro for the foreseeable future.
The Brazilian forward, whose one-year loan is up this Sunday, has signed a permanent deal to stay with the Rapids, club sources told The Denver Post on Wednesday.
The deal is for three and a half years, keeping him in burgundy through the 2027 season. He will remain a Designated Player.
After struggling to find the back of the net for the second half of the 2023 campaign, Navarro has exploded with a new core of players around him this season. Through 20 games, he has 11 goals — sixth in MLS — and an assist. He has also served as the team’s main penalty taker, converting on four of six attempts.
The offensive surge has been one of the main factors contributing to a Rapids resurgence that has them in fourth place in the Western Conference, already surpassing their 2023 marks in points, goals and wins just halfway through the season.
What has separated Navarro from others like him is his willingness to defend. According to Fbref, he ranks above the 80th percentile in most defensive metrics compared to MLS forwards this season. At his position, he leads the league in tackles in the midfield third (1.04 per 90 minutes), blocks (1.73 per 90) and passes blocked (1.55 per 90).
In some ways, the defensive prowess and goal-scoring ability has made Navarro a perfect fit, particularly under Chris Armas’ system. Now, the 24-year-old has a chance to continue to do it in Colorado for years to come.
Armas, who was asked Tuesday about Navarro’s focus despite not yet knowing what his future with the club would be, has been enamored with the forward’s professionalism.
“This stuff can sometimes get in the way for players,” Armas said. “They get distracted, lose focus a little bit, which is natural for players and for a younger player. But he’s been a pro throughout the process.”
Club sources also told The Denver Post that the Rapids are currently in discussions to permanently transfer goalkeeper Marko Ilić to a European club.
Currently, the 26-year-old Serbian is on loan at Norwegian top-flight club Sarpsborg 08 FF. Ilić was signed to the Rapids on a permanent transfer last July after being with the club on loan from Belgian side KV Kortrijk.
He was loaned out to Sarpsborg in March of this year to get playing time after Zack Steffen took the reins between the posts. Ilić has started all 11 matches he’s played for Sarpsborg, recorded 26 saves and allowed 25 goals.
The transfer discussions are with a different club in Europe than Sarpsborg, the source said.
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