Moïse Bombito on Transfer Talks: “I’m Happy With Where I’m at.”

COMMERCE CITY – So Moïse Bombito is back from Copa America. He and the Canucks made it to the semifinals. He converted twice in the penalty shootout. He was racially abused online after a hard tackle on Lionel Messi in the opening game. Canada and Colorado rallied to support him. Olympique Lyonnais in France have reportedly tried to buy him. Oh and he made the MLS-All Star game last minute, where he was the fastest player. It’s been a busy few months for the 24-year-old.

“Great experience. Got to play against the best player in the world twice. This was my third encounter with him (Messi). To reach the semifinal with Canada was historical. We were hungry for more. PKs sometimes don’t go your way,” Bombito told Burgundy Wave after training this week.

The center back did not shy away from the off-field controversy but has clearly moved on and focused on the positive support he received in the aftermath.

“It’s part of the game. Sometime when you do some good stuff (tackling Messi to prevent a goal), it’s not going to make some people happy. You just have to be positive,” He added, “That’s what I was most focused on, the response from not only me but also my teammates who are close to me who showed a lot of support. My Colorado family who was there for me also.”

Bombito did not play a game for the Rapids between June 1 and July 17. He went nearly two months between home games at DICK’s Sporting Goods Park. His first match back was the Rocky Mountain Cup finale. Bombito acknowledge he saw the tifo the fans made for him and was moved by it.

Talks between Colorado and Lyon appear to be ongoing. It’s understood there has been a bid for at least $5.5 million that was rejected. TSN has also reported that Red Bull Salzburg (where Canada coach Jesse Marsch coached from 2019-2021) are interested in the player.

“Obviously, it’s something you should look at. In terms of next step, next level, if you’re trying to play Champions League, play in Europe. That’s something you want to look at. I’m happy with where I’m at now with my situation here. But if you asked me if I would like to play for a Champions League club, of course I’m going to say yes. That doesn’t mean that I want to leave. We’ll see how it goes,” Bombito said candidly and calmly.

Sources tell Burgundy Wave that the Rapids feel in control of the situation. They have Bombito under contract for another two and a half years. The organization has a valuation on the player and if that is not met this summer, they will not sell. They believe Bombito will reach a level to where a European club will be willing to offer that amount in a year to 18 months. Burgundy Wave suspects that valuation could be $10-12 million.

Between training, interactions with staff, and returning to play, Bombito has not been a malcontent. He is clearly happy here and not trying to force his way out. If anything, the player is compartmentalizing things. Are Lyon, RB Salzburg, or someone else willing to offer $10 million this month? Or at least $8 million plus several add-ons? If not, Bombito will remain content in Colorado.

Photo Credit: John Babiak

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