The Colorado Rapids are close to bringing in Premier League talent, a source confirmed to The Denver Post.
The Rapids are finalizing a deal to acquire 24-year-old midfielder Connor Ronan from English Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.
Mike McGrath of the Daily Telegraph in England first reported the news, which was later confirmed by The Post. The deal is still subject to a formal medical and visa. Ronan, originally from Rochdale just outside of Manchester, has been called in to the Republic of Ireland senior national team, but has not made a debut. It’s likely, however, he will require an international spot on the Rapids’ roster.
Ronan was a strong prospect coming out of Wolves’ academy system, but multiple loans to lower-tier English sides such as Portsmouth, Walsall, Blackpool, and Scottish Premier League side St. Mirren were ultimately too much for him to break into the Premier League team on a permanent basis.
that Coventry City of the English Championship, the second tier, was also a suitor for the midfielder, as well as Sheffield Wednesday, Huddersfield, Cardiff City and Scottish Premier League sides Aberdeen and Hibernian.
Ronan had a breakout season with St. Mirren in the 2021-22 campaign, scoring eight goals in 30 appearances for the Scottish side as the Saints’ Player of the Year.
When he returned to Wolves, he was able to earn his Premier League debut in November against Brighton and Hove Albion and has totaled eight appearances. Wolves are currently 16th in the Premier League and are looking to stave off relegation this season. And while many fans of the Midlands side hoped he would at last be able to break into the team permanently, it hasn’t happened and the club .
For the Rapids, if the deal goes through, Ronan would become the 10th midfielder on the team and would join former Wolves favorite Jack Price, as well as a core of younger players such as Ralph Priso, Oli Larraz, Cole Bassett and Max Alves. While it would be a crowded bunch, the move would indicate long-term planning for the club.
It would mark the fourth time the Rapids have brought in a player from Wolves, as Price, Joe Mason and Kevin Doyle all have played for the Burgundy Boys.
Want more sports news? Sign up for the Sports Omelette to get all our analysis on Denver’s teams.
