Considering its current position in the MLS standings, last place in the Western Conference, the Colorado Rapids were always going to have an active summer transfer window. Even on deadline day, the front office held onto its end of the bargain.
According to a source with knowledge of the situation, the Rapids are bringing in 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder Sidnei Tavares from Porto FC’s second team on a loan deal through June 2024. The U22 Initiative deal also includes a purchase option, which Colorado would be able to trigger at the end of, or before, the loan expires. It is Colorado’s fifth inbound move of the summer.
Tavares was a product of Leicester City’s academy in England. He played three times for the Foxes’ first team as he broke through at age 19, including two Premier League matches. He then signed with Porto FC for its reserve team in the summer of 2021 and over two seasons has played 33 times. This season he has scored four goals while totaling 1,700 minutes in 28 appearances.
Colorado has remained active throughout the transfer window as the Rapids signed Serbian international Marko Ilić, Costa Rican defender Daniel Chacón (who was then loaned to Costa Rican side L.D. Alajuelense) and left back Andrew Gutman from Atlanta. Brazilian striker Rafael Navarro and now Tavares will join the Burgundy Boys on loan through June 30, 2024, with options to buy.
Meanwhile, Tuesday saw a pair of players depart the club: defender Anthony Markanich and Bryan Acosta were both traded for General Allocation Money and a 2024 first-round SuperDraft pick.
The Rapids, who were knocked out of the Leagues Cup competition on Monday, will be off until Aug. 20 against LAFC, which will give players time to integrate into the squad and gain momentum heading into the home stretch.
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