From 2017-19, Younes Namli emerged as a leading figure for midtable Eredivisie side PEC Zwolle. As the young attacking midfielder caught the eye with classy performances, sound technique and a knack for highlight-reel dribbles, he quickly became the subject of interest across the globe.
Including, it turns out, from the Colorado Rapids.
An American move wasn't in the cards just yet for Namli, who instead jumped to Russian Premier League's FC Krasnodar over the summer. But the Rapids kept following Namli, and finally swooped during the offseason, signing the 25-year-old away from Krasnodar to a Designated Player deal made official this Wednesday.