Chidozie Awaziem Transfered to FC Nantes

Commerce City, CO – Chidozie Awaziem has officially been transferred to FC Nantes, following rumors of a potential move for several weeks. Chido returns to Nantes, playing in the French first division in 2017/2018. He had become a sort of journeyman since his stint in France, most recently bringing his talents to the United States with FC Cincinnati and, of course, the Colorado Rapids. Awaziem totaled 22 appearances with one assist during his time in Colorado. After just a half season with the Rapids, he is on his way out. Poor Andreas Maxsø, he can’t seem to keep a center-back partner.

According to Tom Bogert, Chidozie wanted to return to Europe. The Awaziem family has not been able to join him in the United States since his arrival. Despite the concerns that Awaziem’s departure will leave behind due to his absence, it is noble of the Rapids to do right by the player’s wishes. 

Colorado had recently spent $1 million, plus add-ons of up to $200k, on the center back duo of Chidozie Awaziem and Ian Murphy. The fee is rumored to be around $1.7 million, which, even with the sell-on clause from Cincy, is a good bit of business for the Rapids. Colorado will still be without a top-tier center back in Chidozie Awaziem. So it will be essential to find the correct replacements soon. 

It has been a heavy center-back rumor window for the Rapids, even before any Awaziem news had come out. The first rumor had come from our own Judgmental Jim, who reported that Colorado was interested in 18-year-old Lucas Herrington from the Australian first division. This transfer would not cover the Rapids for Chido’s departure; however, it is reported that any contract would start in January for the youngster. So, despite the deal being all but announced, I would not expect this signing to be the only center back the Rapids bring in during the summer window.

Colorado had taken a stab at signing Israeli center back Stav Lemkin back in June, but FC Twente swooped in and signed him before the Rapids could. He would have felt like a straight swap for Chido, garnering similar transfer fees and wage bills presumably. It is not happening, however, and the Rapids had to pivot to another target to replace Chido.

The newest, shiniest rumor coming out of the Rapids camp regarding center-back is Rob Holding out of Crystal Palace. And yes, the same Rob Holding who played at Arsenal for many years before joining the London side. It would be an impressive signing for the Rapids, both in terms of name value and how strong the competition is to sign him, reportedly. A few things do concern me about this signing.

One of the benefits of moving on from Chido was getting out of the contract he had in Colorado. He felt good enough to demand all of his $1.2 million a year, even if it feels a little steep. It still gives the Rapids some nice cap space to fill in other needs. However, I would not be surprised if Rob Holding gets similar, if not more, money if he joins. It could very well be worth it, but he has a similar playstyle to Maxsø. They both aren’t as quick as their usual center-back partners, who help cover the weaknesses of their games. There would be no Bombito or Awaziem to cover the space for both Holding and Maxsø.  

No matter who they bring in to replace Awaziem, or if they turn to Ian Murphy to fill in, Chido will be missed in Colorado. He brought passion and determination into every single game he played for the Rapids. He was an excellent defender in his time in Colorado. It would have been great to keep him in Colorado longer. But the player matters, and the Rapids did well in doing right by their player. Thank you, Chidozie Awaziem, and good luck in France!

Photo Credit: John Babiak

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