Rafael Navarro Transfer Confirmed! First Reported by the Denver Post.

COMMERCE CITY – Colorado Rapids confirmed the Rafael Navarro transfer from Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras on Thursday morning. This news was first reported by Braidon Nourse of The Denver Post. It is a three-and-a-half year year deal through 2027. The 24-year-old will remain a Designated Player. As first reported by The Athletic, the transfer fee is believed to be in the range of $3.5 million.

“We are delighted to have secured the permanent signing of Rafa following his impressive loan spell,” said Colorado Rapids President Pádraig Smith. “Rafa seamlessly integrated into our group, displaying the mentality and character we value at our club. His overall game, exceptional work ethic and ability to both score goals and create for his teammates perfectly align with our team’s philosophy and game model.”

This comes on the backs of Navarro being fantastic in his first full season at the club. He joined a club last summer producing around 1 xG per game. He managed just one goal and was starved of help and service. He has 11 goals and 3 assists in 2024. The Brazilian is also 4 of 6 on penalties. He is on pace to have one of the best offensive seasons in Rapids history, alongside that 2022 year for Diego Rubio (16 goals, 7 assists).

Burgundy Wave sources can back up the $3.5 million transfer fee. This is believed to be close to but not break the club’s record transfer fee, which was set by Djordje Mihailović. Burgundy Wave’s reporting has been that that transfer fee was between $3-4 million possibly with add-ons. Mihailović is now on 9 goals and 8 assists so there’s a chance some of those incentives have already triggered.

In any case, one can say with confidence that Mihailović and Navarro transfers have broken the previous club transfer fee of $2.7 million for Juan Ramírez.

This is a significant statement of intent by KSE, spending around $7 million in one season on transfer fees for two Designated Players. Navarro will continue to be an important player for the Rapids. This season could finally lead to playoff success with a productive No. 9 and 10 up top.

Photo Credit: John Babiak

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