The Colorado Rapids are set to sign USMNT defender Sam Vines from Belgian side Royal Antwerp.
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Rapids set to sign Sam VinesThird USMNT addition this JanuaryMihailovic & Steffen deals already over the lineWHAT HAPPENED?
According to The Athletic, the 24-year-old is finalizing a move Stateside nearly three years after departing the Rapids for Belgium. The homecoming of sorts will see him return to the club where he made his mark on the game. Vines has nine USMNT caps.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
On top of the Antwerp defender, the Rapids have been busy this offseason, signing both USMNT players Zack Steffen and Djordje Mihailovic to permanent deals this January. Vines marks the third U.S. international signed as they look to rebuild ahead of the campaign, but they're not done yet, either. The report adds that the Rapids are also in the market for a defensive midfielder, and if the trend of adding U.S. internationals is to continue, all eyes will be on free agent Kellyn Acosta.
DID YOU KNOW?
In fall 2023, Vines was "accidentally" left off of Royal Antwerp's UCL roster as a result of an 'administrative error' involving paperwork submitted. Now, six months later, he's departing the club.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR COLORADO RAPIDS AND SAM VINES
The Rapids will have to make the transfer official this week, with Vines either signing on a full transfer or via loan. Regardless, it's a move in the positive direction for a franchise who needed a major makeover heading into the 2024 season.