TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing
The Colorado Rapids have acquired Danish midfielder Younes Namli from Russian club FC Krasnodar as a Designated Player, the club announced Wednesday.
Namli, 25, had one goal and one assist across 18 appearances for Krasnodar this season. Aside from playing in the Russian Premier League, his time with Krasnodar also included a combined seven Europa League and Champions League appearances. The quick-footed No. 10 is known for his dribbling and creative ability.
“Younes is a talented and technically gifted playmaker that we’ve had our sights on for the past two years,” said Rapids EVP and GM Padraig Smith, in a statement. “He’s been a consistently strong performer in the Eredivisie, a league we believe translates well to MLS, and has shown a great ability on the ball and in creating clear scoring opportunities for his teammates as well as getting on the scoresheet himself. We’re excited to finally have him join the club and expect him to be a difference maker for us.”
Namli arrived at Krasnodar last May from Dutch side PEC Zwolle and also spent three seasons in Holland with SC Heerenveen. He had nine goals and 14 assists across 97 Eredivisie appearances between the two clubs. He began his professional career with Akademisk Boldklub, in Denmark’s lower leagues.
The 25-year-old is the Rapids' first DP for 2020, joining a burgeoning attack filled with long talent, like Jonathan Lewis, Sam Nicholson and Andre Shinyashiki, as well as veterans Kei Kamara, Diego Rubio and Nicolas Benezet.
Earlier this offseason, Colorado added Lalas Abubakar, Auston Trusty, Drew Moor and Benezet. They now have 25c players under contract.
