Major League Soccer clubs continue to attract Brazilian talent to boost their league. This week, the Colorado Rapids announced the arrival of forward Rafael Navarro on a one-year loan from Palmeiras. The 23-year-old will occupy a Designated Player slot, which means his salary is clear of the budget limits on their roster.
The Rapids will have an option to make the deal permanent in June 2024 for an undisclosed fee. “We’re thrilled to add a striker of Rafael’s quality to our roster as we continue our push to get back into the playoff race,” Colorado Rapids President Pádraig Smith said, via the team’s website.
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Rafael Navarro’s path to the US
It all started in Río de Janeiro for Navarro, who made his professional debut for Botafogo in 2020. When the club was relegated at the end of the year, he stepped up. The young striker played a pivotal role in the Lone Star’s return to the first division in 2021, having recorded an impressive 15 goals along with nine assists.
🗣️ A message from Rafael Navarro to #Rapids96 fans
Let’s get to work 🤙 pic.twitter.com/M88nVZSjb3
— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) July 10, 2023
Palmeiras acquired him in 2022, and he went on to find the net on 11 occasions in 65 appearances, helping the club win the Brasileirão title as well as the Recopa Sudamericana trophy. Now, he hopes to find more playing time and prove his worth in MLS.
