Multiple reports confirm
Major League Soccer side Minnesota United are interested in signing Botafogo forward Rafael Navarro. First reported by Andy Greder from The Pioneer Press the story has since been confirmed by MLSSoccer.com. Transfermarkt understands that Navarro’s contract is up at the end of the season and with Botafogo facing financial issues a contract renewal could be difficult.
Confirmed: #MNUFC pursuing Rafael Navarro, a 21-year-old forward from Botofogo from Brazil’s Series B. He has 12 goals, 7 assists in 1,796 league minutes this season. If #Loons sign him, it’d be part of #MLS U-22 initiative.
GIF: Here is one of Navarro’s best goals this season: pic.twitter.com/RhF08F87uL
— Andy Greder (@andygreder) October 26, 2021
That could open the door for Minnesota to sign the striker on a free transfer at the end of the season. The Loons have reportedly offered a contract that would see Navarro become a part of the new U22 Initiative. But interest in Navarro is high. Several Brazilian Serie A sides have looked at the player, who has scored 12 goals and eight assists in 30 Brazilian Serie B games this season.
European clubs are also interested in the 21-year-old Brazilian, who can play both on the wing and as a classic number 9. Italian side Hellas Verona, Spanish club Real Valladolid, and Belgium club Anderlecht have also been linked with the forward. Navarro’s current market value is $2.75 million.
