The Rapids make a statement signing and strengthen their midfield with LAFC midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye.
Robin Fraser’s side is sitting in 4th place in the Western Conference and experiencing their best campaign in five seasons. So with a shot at the MLS Cup playoffs and some holes in the midfield to address, Colorado announced the trade of twenty-six-year old central midfield Mark-Anthony Kaye from conference mates LAFC on Tuesday.
The Rapids acquire the Canadian International from Los Angeles, along with the club’s first-round selection in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft. This in exchange for $1 million in GAM and a 2022 international roster slot, and conditional performance-based GAM.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Mark-Anthony to the club and reinforce our midfield with a player of his quality,” Said Rapids executive VP & GM Padraig Smith, “He’s been one of the best central midfielders in the league over the last several years and has played a critical role in the success of the teams he’s been a part of. We look forward to seeing him integrate with our group as we enter the second half of the season and continue our push for a playoff spot.”
Since joining then expansion side LAFC from USL Championship side Louisville City in 2018, he’s made 77 appearances (71 starts), tallying 9 goals and 18 assists. Kaye has also been a key fixture for the Canadian Men’s National Team since making his senior team debut in 2017. Amassing 23 caps, 17 starts, netting 2 goals with six assists. He is also a member of the Black Players for Change organization, with new teammates Lalas Abubakar, Kellyn Acosta, Jonathan Lewis, Auston Trusty and Collen Warner.
Much Needed Addition
The Rapids have been without designated player Younes Namli since early May, as an ankle injury and ensuing surgery has sidelined the Dane until at least October (4-6 month timetable). Other midfield options for Colorado at the moment include Jack Price, Cole Bassett and Kellyn Acosta.
But with Acosta a favorited option for Gregg Berhalter and the USMNT and Bassett destined for a move to Europe when the right opportunity comes along, the club needs to plan accordingly.
Building For The Future
The club is clearly thinking about the present while also thinking about the future. As the Rapids are enjoying a successful campaign in Fraser’s second full year in charge, the front office appears to like their current position in the conference table. Still, with plenty of mainstays in their lineup very young and very easily believably linked to Europe, further roster moves are required.
Even though Kaye himself has mentioned a move across the pond as an inevitable step in his still very young career, with a transfermarkt value of $6.6 million, the Rapids return on investment could be well worth it. Though LAFC would retain 10% of his sell on rights, on anything over $1 million.
The Rapids are coming off of an embarrassing 3-0 Rocky Mountain Cup loss to rivals Real Salt Lake, though before that they hadn’t lost a match in four meetings. Once Kaye and other key players return from the CONCACAF Gold Cup, Robin Fraser’s squad will be a feared date on anyone’s schedule as we approach August.