Djordje Mihailovic is back in MLS with hopes of sparking his career.
The former Chicago Fire homegrown has joined the Colorado Rapids on a Designated Player contract through 2027. Mihailovic’s contract also includes a club option for 2028 after Colorado reportedly paid close to $3 million to Dutch side AZ Alkmaar for his services.
“Djordje is an exciting, skillful player with a proven track record of success in MLS and at the international level,” Rapids president Pádraig Smith said in a release. “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 tallied 20 goals and 36 assists across 134 regular-season appearances between previous MLS stops in Chicago and Montreal. He then made the move to AZ Alkmaar after a positive 2022 campaign, but struggled for consistent playing time.
He joins fellow international teammate Zack Steffen as the latest Rapids signing.
Here is a closer look at the recent MLS News:
Dax McCarty joins Atlanta United on one-year contract
Dax McCarty will return to MLS for a 19th season.
McCarty signed with Atlanta United for the 2024 campaign, which includes an option for 2025. The veteran midfielder has made the third-most appearances in MLS history (466), totaling 22 goals and 71 assists to date.
McCarty previously played with Nashville SC, New York Red Bulls, DC United, Chicago Fire, and FC Dallas. The 36-year-old helped Nashville SC reach the Leagues Cup Final in 2023, qualifying for the 2024 revamped CONCACAF Champions Cup.
“Dax has been one of the most consistent midfielders throughout his distinguished career in MLS,” Atlanta United VP and technical director Carlos Bocanegra said in a release.
“Dax is a competitor and will bring a good mentality and leadership to our team. He has continued to prove over the last couple of seasons that he plays at a high level consistently and we are excited to welcome him and his family to Atlanta.”
Laurent Courtois joins CF Montreal as head coach
Laurent Courtois’ impressive time at Columbus Crew 2 has led to his first major coaching job in Major League Soccer.
CF Montreal hired Courtois as its new head coach, providing the Frenchman with a major move to first-team action. Courtois previously served as head coach of Crew 2 in MLS NEXT Pro over the past two seasons, where he led them to two finals appearances, and one championship.
“We are very pleased with Laurent’s appointment today,” Montréal VP and chief sporting officer Olivier Renard said in a release. “Over the past few years, Laurent has accumulated a wealth of coaching experience that demonstrates his ability to implement our sporting project with young players in MLS.
“We are confident that he will be able to replicate his past success with our club’s core team and young talent, while helping us to achieve our objectives by reviving a desire to win both at home and on the road throughout the season. In addition to his knowledge of the league, he possesses leadership, communication and teaching skills.”
Courtois previously worked in the Crew’s academy ranks, as well as with LA Galaxy and Lyon’s academy. He becomes CF Montreal’s third head coach in the past three years, following Wilfried Nancy and Hernan Losada’s spells over the past two seasons.
Inter Miami adds reigning MLS Cup winner, Julian Gressel
Julian Gressel is on the move yet again.
Inter Miami has signed the U.S. men’s national team fullback/winger to a three-year deal through 2026. Gressel’s move to the Herons reunites him with head coach Tata Martino, whom he lifted MLS Cup with in 2018.
The 30-year-old recently lifted MLS Cup last December with the Columbus Crew after being acquired in a trade with the Vancouver Whitecaps.
“Julian is an established player with a winning track record in the league who has proven himself at every stage during his MLS career,” chief soccer officer and sporting director Chris Henderson said in a release.
“We are pleased to add him to our squad as his versatility and quality delivery will bolster Inter Miami as we look to build on the successes of last season in 2024.”
Gressel has totaled 25 goals and 66 assists in 213 regular-season games during his MLS career to date.
Cole Bassett signs long-term contract extension
Cole Bassett’s long-term future looks to be happening in Colorado.
Bassett signed a long-term contract extension on Tuesday through the 2027 MLS campaign, the Rapids announced. The 22-year-old will occupy a U-22 initiative spot in the Rapids squad after coming through the ranks as a homegrown signing.
“We are absolutely delighted to sign Cole to a long-term deal and keep him here at home,” Rapids president Pádraig Smith said in a release. “Having witnessed his growth within our community and abroad in Europe, we’re thrilled to secure his talents for the team’s future success.
“His dedication and skill embody the spirit of our local youth, and we’re excited to see him continue to flourish in the years to come.”
Bassett has contributed 19 goals and 12 assists in 97 regular-season matches for Colorado, which helped spring loan moves to Feyenoord and Fortuna Sittard.
The Rapids continue their roster moves under new head coach Chris Armas.
Quick Kicks:
- Austin FC have signed Guilherme Biro from Brazilian second-division side Mirassol, the club announced Wednesday. Biro, 23, has totaled three goals and four assists in 115 matches at Coritiba and Mirassol.
- Tomas Vaclik’s time with the New England Revolution has ended. Vaclik, 34, has parted ways with the Revolution after originally joining in August 2023. He did not feature for New England during his time in MLS.
- Veteran defender Eric Miller has signed a new two-year deal with the Portland Timbers. Miller, 30, has made 179 regular-season appearances during his career and will provide Portland with veteran experience in the backline.
- Deybi Flores is on his way back to MLS after joining Toronto FC. Flores signed a two-year contract through 2025, which includes an option for 2026. Flores previously played for the Vancouver Whitecaps.
- Austin FC has transferred Jhohan Romana to Argentinian side San Lorenzo after a two-year MLS stay. Romana made 35 appearances for the Western Conference club after arriving in 2021.
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