Source: Colorado Rapids Close to Cash Transfer for D.C. United U22 Winger Ted Ku-Dipietro

COMMERCE CITY – Colorado Rapids could be close to acquiring Ted Ku-Dipietro, club sources tell Burgundy Wave. This transfer was first reported by Steven Goff of the Washington Post.

This is rumored to be an internal league cash transfer, which just became possible this offseason. The deal is believed to be $1.125 million with $250K in add ons (likely based on playing time, goal contributions). Sources tell Burgundy Wave there will be a 15% sell on clause. At time of publishing, the deal is not done, but could be finalized as early as Wednesday morning.

Ku-DiPietro just turned 23-years-old. He is a D.C. United academy graduate, having signed a Homegrown deal in 2020. He is of Chinese, Polish, and German dissent. This past September, he signed an extension to become a U22 player. That contract is through 2027 with a team option for 2028. His guaranteed compensation for 2024 was $356K, less than Keegan Rosenberry or Jonathan Lewis.

Sources indicated the Rapids liked his analytics in regard to manager Chris Armas’ game model. He’s expected to play as an inverted winger. He’s similar to Omir Fernandez in that he could play anywhere in the three in the 4-2-3-1 formation.

“He’s a dynamic attacker. The clubs are close to reaching that official agreement. Another young guy that can fit the way we want to do things. He’s got a great attitude. He’s a competitive kid. He’s very powerful. He’s going to bring a nice element to that final third that speaks to who we are,” Armas told Burgundy Wave.

2023 was a break out year for the kid. He had five goals and three assists across 26 league appearances. Last year, 1876 minutes (nice), recording two goals, four assists. He is injured at the moment after offseason shoulder surgery and could miss a few months.

Analytics wise, he’s a great presser of the ball and likes taking guys on. With a smaller sample size playing wise, he creates chances for himself and others. Sounds like a Rapids winger (and Calvin Harris) already. One source said that former United coach Wayne Rooney loved his energy.

Big picture, this fills that U22 winger spot I have been talking about since the end of last year. Between this and the FC Cincinnati trade, Colorado’s clearly spent a good chunk (not most) of the Moïse Bombito transfer fee. He wasn’t a great fit for Troy Lesesne’s system in D.C.

Colorado maybe spent a bit much for 14 goal contributions across two full seasons. Guys with that production have gone for less than $1 million in GAM in previous years. He’s great value given the size and length of the contract though. BW has heard the club had been tracking him for awhile. Pádraig Smith was on the MLS committee that initiated the cash transfer rule, so presumably they think this is good Rapids Math.

Colorado now has a domestic and potentially TAM-able Kévin Cabral on one wing. He’ll be direct at goal, attack open spaces, and draw fouls. They have a plethora of other wingers who have varying skill sets. Fernandez combines with Rafael Navarro well. Calvin Harris is probably the most complete winger and is coming off his best MLS season ever.

TKD (can we call him that?) fits the Revenge of the Island of Misfit Toys FC vibes Kellyn Acosta and Auston Trusty had a few years ago. Throw in Kamani Stewart-Baynes in his second year as a GA player and Colorado has enough wingers that one of them will hit. Just like they did at center back last year.

Get a TAM level holding midfielder, and this will be a successful offseason.

Photo Credit: Mark Shaiken

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