Colorado Rapids traded forward Rafael Navarro to St. Louis City for $12 million, setting a record for the highest amount paid for a player in an MLS trade. St. Louis could pay an additional $250,000 based on Navarro’s performance and will retain a sell-on percentage. The 26-year-old Brazil native joined Colorado on loan from Palmeiras in 2023 before the Rapids acquired him permanently in 2024. He scored 38 goals in 97 league matches for Colorado and has 10 goals this season, tied for 20th in MLS and four more than St. Louis’ two leading scorers. Navarro was a designated player (MLS roster designation for high-salary players) in Colorado and retains that status with St. Louis. The move sends him from seventh-place Colorado, which has a 10-11-1 record and 31 points, to sixth-place St. Louis, which is 9-6-7 with 34 points. St. Louis sporting director Corey Wray said the club believes Navarro is entering the prime years of his career and wants him integrated quickly. Colorado Rapids head coach Matt Wells praised Navarro’s ability and character and said he would continue following his progress.