Kevin Doyle and the Colorado Rapids have reached a deal to bring the Republic of Ireland striker to MLS as a designated player, the club announced Friday.
The 31-year-old will likely arrive in Colorado in June, after his current contract with Wolverhampton Wanderers of the Championship — England’s second tier league — expires.
The terms of the deal were not disclosed, but a league source said Doyle would be the highest paid player in Rapids history.
“I am delighted and very excited to be moving to the Colorado Rapids,” Doyle said in a statement. “With so many great players moving to MLS to join up with the great American talent already there, it’s a great time to play in this league.”
The Rapids have been in talks with the Ireland international since at least early February when the striker was with Rapids’ front office brass.
“I will be sad to leave Wolves, a truly great club that I’ve had the privilege to play for,” he said in a statement. “I will always be grateful to the fans for their support; it is they who make Molineux such a special place.”
Rapids vice president of soccer operations and technical director the club was in the hunt for an experienced striker who fit Doyle’s profile — a No. 9 who can hold up play and allow his teammates to join in the attack and flash their creativity.
“Somebody who can play either as a lead striker or somebody who can drop in and play maybe as a 9½ a little bit,” Bravo said last month. “That’s really the profile that we’re looking for more than anything else. That will complement the group that we currently have.”
Doyle has 14 goals in 61 appearances with the Republic of Ireland national team.
Countryman Robbie Keane, the reigning MLS MVP, gave Rapids coach Pablo Mastroeni a glowing review of Doyle, his former strike partner, according to , saying Doyle “would be perfect.” Keane and Mastroeni were teammates on the Los Angeles Galaxy.
“Kevin’s track record speaks for itself,” Mastroeni said in a statement. “We are confident that he will add quality to the side with his own play but his intelligence, experience and professionalism will also bring the best out of others.”
During his club career, Doyle has scored 30 goals in 160 appearances with Wolves since 2009.
Between 2005 and 2009, Doyle netted 55 goals in 157 games with Reading.
It has been a big week for the Rapids, who announced Wednesday the club had reached .
The at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Colorado’s home opener.
Daniel Boniface: 303-954-1104, dboniface@denverpost.com or twitter.com/danielboniface
