The Colorado Rapids set an MLS record on Wednesday by selling striker Rafael Navarro to St. Louis City for $12 million.
Wednesday’s transfer, which Colorado announced after weeks of speculation about the striker being on the move, is the highest fee in a cash trade between MLS clubs.
“We are enormously grateful for everything he gave to the club and for the role he played in our success,” Rapids president Pádraig Smith said in a club release. “He represented the Rapids with passion and professionalism, scored important goals, and built a genuine connection with our supporters. While decisions like this are never easy, we believe this move is right for both Rafa and the club as we continue to shape the roster around Mattap game model. Rafa leaves with our sincere appreciation, and we wish him and his family every success in this next chapter.”
Navarro, 26, had been a consistent bright spot in a somewhat dormant Rapids attack since he arrived in 2023 on loan from Brazilian side Palmeiras. It was pretty clear that Colorado should pay the $5 million to sign him permanently before his loan expired in 2024. Navarro has 44 goals and 12 assists in 114 appearances for the Rapids.
“Since I joined, Rafa has shown himself to be an outstanding player and an even better person,” Rapids coach Matt Wells said in a club release. “I’ve worked with some of the world’s best, and Rafa has a mentality right up there with every one of them. Itap been a pleasure to work with him day in and day out, and I will continue to follow his progress closely for the rest of his career.”
Colorado expected to lose Navarro sooner or later. Contract talks between the club and the player slowed down. There were rumors of Navarro moving back to Brazil. The Rapids signed his replacement, Sayed Abu Farkhi, from from Israeli Premier League side Maccabi Tel Aviv for around $6 million. Abu Farkhi will most likely be the straight replacement for Navarro up top. The Rapids also have homegrown youngster Darren Yapi, who has been on the outside looking in with Navarro on the roster. Yapi could very well take hold of that striker position with Navarro gone.
Navarro was a fan favorite for Colorado, but the transfer may not be the wrong one at this moment. Wells has always been vocal about getting in different players who can do the job the coaching staff wants. Navarro never seemed like the player he was referencing, but he has been a key piece in a Colorado attack that has struggled. He has only one non-penalty goal in the last 12 matches.
The move also allows Colorado to reinforce in other areas.
Navarro is a proven goalscorer in the MLS who will be a great addition for St Louis, which has been desperate for a striker since Joao Klauss left. Navarro had some great moments in Colorado. There was his solo run against Messi and Inter Miami this year at Empower Field at Mile High. His late goal against Club Leon kept the Rapids alive in the Leagues Cup in 2024. His relentless running and pressure endeared him to fans.
