The Colorado Rapids have signed 21-year-old attacking midfielder Juan Ramirez as its second designated player in club history, according to a tweet late Monday by The Denver Post’s Mark Kiszla.
Rapids president Tim Hinchey declined to comment on the report on Tuesday morning.
According to Kiszla, Ramirez was acquired as a young designated player from Argentinos Juniors on a deal that included a $2 million transfer fee.
On Friday, reports out of Buenos Aires . Initially, the Argentinian press reported the deal was going to be a loan.
The Rapids, however, are not done, according to Kiszla, and continue to search for a more established goal-scorer prior to the start of the MLS season.
Hinchey also declined comment on whether the Rapids are seeking a third DP.
The Rapids’ also announced the club was on Monday, clearing an international roster spot. Knight earned $139,583.33 in guaranteed compensation last season, according to figures released by the MLS Players Union. He appeared in four games.
Knight’s presence on Colorado’s roster became unnecessary after offseason acquisitions of central defenders Bobby Burling, Axel Sjoberg and Joseph Greenspan, however due to commitments to the U.S. Navy. The Rapids also have Shane O’Neill (currently away on U.S. national team duty), Drew Moor (returning from knee surgery) and Grant Van De Casteele in its central defense corps.
Clearing the international roster spot was important for Colorado, who recently . Director of Soccer Claudio Lopez, a former Argentina international who appeared in two World Cups, was credited with helping secure the deal. Now the Rapids have reportedly acquired a second young Argentinian midfielder in Ramirez.
