Colorado Rapids sign midfielder Djordje Mihailovic from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar

Colorado Rapids have signed midfielder Djordje Mihailovic from Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar on a four-year deal through the 2027 season with an option for 2028.

Mihailovic joins a Rapids side that's been active in the winter transfer window ahead of their 2024 MLS season with first-year head coach Chris Armas. Mihailovic signs for the Western Conference side as a Designated Player after the Rapids shelled out $75k in 2024 General Allocation Money (GAM) for his discovery priority from FC Cincinnati.

The 25-year-old is set to play for his third MLS club after spending the last 12 months in the Netherlands top flight with AZ, where he totaled 36 appearances and registered two goals and two assists. The move for Mihailovic is

Not only does Mihailovic return to MLS with experience in the Dutch first division, he also brings back European experience having played in the UEFA Conference League group stage with AZ.

"Djordje is an exciting, skillful player with a proven track record of success in MLS and at the international level," said Colorado Rapids president Padraig Smith.

"We are incredibly excited to welcome a player of his caliber and experience to Colorado. Djordje is entering his prime years, and we eagerly anticipate the intensity and boldness he brings, which will undoubtedly make us a more dangerous group."

Mihailovic joined AZ from Canadian side CF Montreal, as his 16 goals and 21 assists in 68 appearances from helped him earn a move to Europe in January 2023. The Jacksonville, Florida native rose through the Chicago Fire academy before breaking through with the first team in February 2017.

He then went on to suit up for the Fire 76 times, scoring seven goals and dishing out 12 assists before joining Montreal in December 2020.

"Djordje is a top signing, and this addition is a big statement from our club," Colorado head coach Armas added.

"His competitive nature and play making ability will immediately make us better as well as help us score goals. He has the personality and intensity needed to excel with our style of play."

Mihailovic has lifted one trophy at the club level with Montreal, the 2021 Canadian Championship over Toronto FC. He made his debut at the international level with the USMNT in January 2019 and was part of the Gold Cup squad that fell just short in the tournament in to Panama in the semifinals.

The Rapids continue to add to their roster after securing the signatures of Omir Fernandez, Miguel Navarro and now Mihailovic with fellow USMNT teammate Zack Steffen to follow.

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