The Colorado Rapids announced today the signing of attacking midfielder Younes Namli on a two-year loan with a club option to buy. The Dane will join the Rapids roster as a Designated Player, pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa, and will occupy an international roster spot.
“Younes is a talented and technically gifted playmaker that we’ve had our sights on for the past two years,” said Pádraig Smith, Colorado Rapids Executive Vice President & General Manager. “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 arrives in Colorado after spending the bulk of his professional career in the Dutch Eredivisie, first with HC Heerenveen and then with PEC Zwolle. The 25-year-old recorded 13 goals and 17 assists across all competitions during his 108 appearances between the two sides.
Most recently, the left-footed attacking midfielder spent time with FC Krasnodar in the Russian Premier League, featuring in UEFA Europa League and UEFA Champions League matches, while helping the club to second place in the standings domestically.
Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, Namli began his professional career in his Denmark’s top flight with Akademisk Boldklub.
TRANSACTION: Colorado Rapids sign Younes Namli as a Designated Player on a two-year loan with an option to buy on January 15, 2020, pending receipt of his ITC and P-1 Visa.
Full Name: Younes Namli
Pronunciation: YOU-nuhs nam-lee
Age: 25
Position: Attacking midfielder
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 154 lbs.
Birth Date: June 20, 1994
Birthplace: Copenhagen, Denmark
Hometown:Copenhagen, Denmark
Nationality: Danish
Last Club: FC Krasnodar
2020 COLORADO RAPIDS ROSTER (as of January 15)
GOALKEEPERS (2): Clint Irwin, Andre Rawls
DEFENDERS (11): Lalas Abubakar, Sebastian Anderson, Kortne Ford, Drew Moor, Keegan Rosenberry, Abdul Rwatubyaye, Auston Trusty, Sam Vines, Danny Wilson, Deklan Wynne
MIDFIELDERS (5): Kellyn Acosta, Cole Bassett, Nicolás Mezquida, Younes Namli, Jack Price
FORWARDS (8): Nicolas Benezet, Matt Hundley, Niki Jackson, Kei Kamara, Jonathan Lewis, Sam Nicholson, Diego Rubio, Andre Shinyashiki
