Commerce City, Colo. – Since Miguel Navarro made his first Colorado Rapids start against Sporting Kansas City on March 21, 2026, he’s been a mainstay on the back line in both league play and in the U.S. Open Cup for the club. The 27-year-old Venezuelan left back has 30 appearances across all competitions this season leading all Rapids defenders behind only center back Rob Holding who’s played in 33 matches.
Navarro was signed on loan from Club Atlético Talleres of Argentina’s Primera Division in February of 2026, for his MLS experience and tactical capabilities and he’s shown that in spades this season. There is a purchase option at the end of the year.
It’s a funny coincidence, given Navarro was acquired in the offseason after 2023 from Chicago Fire. Colorado then brought back Homegrown Sam Vines and Miguel was loaned to Talleres then purchased.
Burgundy Wave has previously reported that is close to, possibly equal to, the transfer fee Talleres paid to acquire Navarro from Colorado in 2024. That fee was believed to be just over $1 million.
Navarro’s constancy at left back should come as no surprise given his composure with the ball and his ability to drive play offensively has made him the perfect fit in coach Matt Wells’ system. High intensity pressure and dominating possession have been key parts of Wells’ offensive tactical system since he took the helm of the Rapids and Navarro’s strong play up the left wing and key passes to attacking forwards has resulted in 23 created chances on the season and an average of 7.74 line breaking passes per game, according to Fotmob.
Navarro has done so well offensively, that Wells has frequently used him as an inverted fullback. This entails the Rapids playing with four fullbacks on the back line when they are out of possession and once they gain possession, Navarro drifts to the central midfield as the other three fullbacks hold the back line. This allows Navarro to play more offensively and to assist with moving the ball up the pitch.
It’s been a fun tactical wrinkle this year. Wells’ team has been fluid positionally. Navarro’s gone from left back, to playing centrally with bite, to being an overlapping winger at times. Kosi Thompson and Jackson Travis have done it as well, but Navarro’s been best at it.
Navarro’s patience with the ball on his foot and his ability to win duels, he’s won 59.4% of one on one duels this season, has also made him a reliable go-to option for goalkeeper Nico Hansen when playing from the back as Navarro has 1,489 touches putting him in the 91st percentile in the MLS. He has also been able to generate a good amount of offense on his own including 15 successful crosses and 4 shots.
Defensively, Navarro compliments his attacking aptitude with solid back tracking which prevents counter attacks and shows the hustle and winning mentality prized by Wells. He’s also been one of the most consistent Rapids fullbacks avoiding costly red cards unlike Holding and recent own goals unlike right back Reggie Cannon and center back Loïc Williams.
It has been a risk-and-reward weakness as times. Wells wants his fullbacks to get involved in the attack. That’s left space. The gap between Williams and Navarro has led to goals conceded several times.
Also, Navarro is a master of the dark arts. He’s bated opponents into fouls. He’s joked that after football maybe he’ll become an actor. Wells has called some of his behaviors Oscar worthy.
The Rapids hold a permanent transfer option on Navarro and are able to make the loan from Tealleres permanent beginning on January 1, 2027. Should they do so, they have a club option to extend Navarro’s contract by one year beginning in 2028. Given Navarro’s play in Wells’ system and their lack of depth at left back, it’s safe to say the Rapids will exercise their option and Navarro will be back for the upcoming shortened MLS season.
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