The Colorado Rapids on Thursday signed midfielder Cole Bassett to a three-year extension through the 2024 season and agreed to loan him for 18 months to Feyenoord Rotterdam of Eredivisie, the top league in the Netherlands.
Bassett, 20, was a regular starter for the Rapids in 2021, his third full season with the club he joined as a homegrown player from his native Littleton, Colo.
“We’re incredibly proud of Cole for having earned this opportunity to pursue his dream of playing in Europe,” Rapids general manager Padraig Smith said in a release. “It’s a testament to his talent, his performances here with the Rapids and his dedication to continually improve as a player. This move also reflects our steadfast commitment to develop young players and provide a pathway to the highest levels of the game. We look forward to seeing Cole’s continued growth and wish him all the best as he takes this next step in his career.”
Bassett signed with the Rapids midway through the 2018 season shortly after he turned 17 when he was a junior at Chatfield Senior High School in Littleton. He was also a member of the Rapids’ team academy.
In 72 career MLS games (52 starts), Bassett had 13 goals and 11 assists. That includes five goals and four assists last season in 32 games (23 starts).
Bassett also made one appearance for the U.S. Men’s National Team in a friendly last month against Bosnia and Herzegovina. He scored the only goal of a 1-0 USMNT victory.
Bassett’s loan to Feyenoord Rotterdam comes with an option to purchase. Should the 15-time league champion add Bassett on a permanent basis and move him to another club down the line, Colorado would retain a percentage of any future transfer fees as part of the deal.
–Field Level Media