MLS Colorado Rapids

Summer Transfer Window Recap: a Full Rundown of the Rapids' Seven Transactions

Published on August 8, 2023 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Colorado Rapids News Release


Arrivals

Andrew Gutman

Gutman made a strong first impression on the Rapids' pitch since the moment he stepped onto it, making his debut against FC Dallas on July 8, just days after arriving in Colorado from Atlanta United FC. The left back has registered four games with the Rapids, including the Leagues Cup matchup with Nashville SC when his shot was deflected into the back of the net and he was awarded his first assist in Burgundy. Learn more about Gutman's career prior to joining the Rapids here, including his time at men's soccer powerhouse Indiana University and his lasting impression on the MLS record books.

Gutman's aggressive playing style on the sideline is an asset Colorado was looking to add to their form in the transfer window, as Rapids' president Pádraig Smith noted after Gutman's debut at home:

"You bring in someone like Andrew, you're immediately on the front foot again, and you see that within two minutes of play, he was overlapping down the left-hand side, you know, some of the challenges he went into...it's what's needed. We need to get back on the front foot, we need to show that intensity, that urgency, that aggression, and he certainly plays with that day in and day out."

Rafael Navarro

The Rapids' second transaction of the window saw Portuguese striker Rafael Navarro added to the roster. The 23-year-old from Brazilian Serie A champion side S.E. Palmeiras looks to bring scoring firepower to the Colorado pitch, adding onto his impressive resume of 29 goal contributions accumulated from both Palmeiras and Botafogo in Serie B. Navarro occupies a Designated Player spot on the Rapids' roster.

Navarro arrived to Colorado Aug. 4 and is eligible to play in the Rapids' next regular season match against LAFC.

Sidnei Tavares

Tavares joins the Rapids' as the most recent signing made in the summer window, adding to the power in the center of the field as a defensive midfielder. The young competitor arrives to Colorado on an 11-month loan from Portugal's FC Porto with an option to make the transfer permanent.

Tavares grew his game in Leicester City's academy, later signing to a professional contract with then-English Premier League side in 2019 at the age of 17. He contributed 12 goals and delivered seven assists across 56 appearances during his youth career and has appeared for Portugal's U-18 and U-19 teams on the international level.

Marko Ilić

The Rapids made Ilić's loan permanent on July 15, signing the goalkeeper from Belgian Pro League side KV Kortrijk on a two-and-half-year deal with club options for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. Ilić has made six appearances across all competitions with Colorado prior to the permanent signing, including a clean sheet performance in his first MLS start at home.

Departures

Bryan Acosta

Acosta joined the Rapids as a free agent ahead of the 2022 MLS season after being selected by the club in the 2021 MLS Re-Entry Draft, and went on to record two assists and make 45 appearances with the Rapids. He was awarded to the league's Team of the Matchday for his performance against St. Louis City earlier this year, and was called up to the Honduran national team twice during his time with the Rapids.

TRANSACTION: Colorado Rapids acquire $150,000 in 2023 GAM and up to $175,000 in conditional 2024 GAM in exchange for midfielder Bryan Acosta.

Michael Barrios

A veteran of the game, Barrios arrived to the Rapids in 2021 and went on to record 12 goals and 16 assists across 87 regular-season appearances during his time with the club. The striker came up in big moments for Colorado over the course of his career in Burgundy, such as his two stoppage-time goals this season alone, his Trivela against Portland in 2021, and a shot to pull Colorado ahead in a 5-4 result against New York Red Bulls last year.

TRANSACTION: Colorado Rapids acquire LA Galaxy's natural first-round pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft and up to $50,000 in conditional 2024 GAM in exchange for forward Michael Barrios.

Anthony Markanich

Markanich was selected 26th overall by the Rapids in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft from Northern Illinois University, going on to appear 17 times in a Colorado kit. The left back made his MLS debut in the Rapids' regular season matchup with Seattle Sounders at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park in 2022, going head-to-head with the recently-appointed Concacaf Champions League victors and logging two shots on goal.

TRANSACTION: Colorado Rapids acquire $75,000 in 2023 GAM and St. Louis CITY SC's natural, first-round pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, as well as up to $75,000 in conditional 2024 GAM in exchange for defender Anthony Markanich.

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