Not one, but two U.S. men’s national team players are set to make the move back stateside with hopes of getting their careers back on track.
Zack Steffen and Djordje Mihailovic are nearing permanent moves to the Colorado Rapids, The Athletic reported Wednesday. Steffen has already agreed to a three-year, non-Designated Player deal with the Rapids, while Colorado is in talks to acquire Mihailovic permanently, according to the reports.
Steffen made the move to English Premier League giants Manchester City in 2019, but mainly served as a back-up and even No. 3 option at times. The Pennsylvania native logged 21 appearances for the Citizens across all competitions, while also spending time on loan with Fortuna Dusseldorf and Middlesbrough.
The 28-year-old excelled at Middlesbrough last season on loan, making 45 appearances and registering 10 clean sheets. However, Steffen was sidelined since the summer due to a knee injury.
Steffen previously played for the Columbus Crew from 2016-19 and also has earned 29 USMNT caps to date. His move to Colorado would provide an immediate opportunity to serve as Chris Armas’ No. 1, with William Yarborough reportedly set to join the San Jose Earthquakes.
Mihailovic, 25, moved to Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in January 2023, but has struggled to find his way this season. Despite logging 36 combined appearances last year, Mihailovic has been reduced to only 501 minutes of action this campaign (one goal, one assist).
A former Chicago Fire homegrown, Mihailovic logged seven goals and 11 assists in 71 appearances before joining CF Montreal. The attacking midfielder’s production increased in Montreal, totaling 13 goals and 19 assists in 61 appearances before his European move.
Mihailovic has earned 11 USMNT caps to date, last appearing during the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup. He scored two goals and registered three assists in five appearances last summer, but B.J. Callaghan’s squad suffered elimination in the semifinal round.
The Rapids failed to make the MLS Cup Playoffs in each of the last two seasons.
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