Colorado Rapids sign English defender Rob Holding | OneFootball

By MLSsoccer staff

TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing

The Colorado Rapids have acquired veteran defender Rob Holding via a free transfer, the club announced Sunday.

The 29-year-old center back is under contract through the 2026 season. He was last at English Premier League side Crystal Palace.

A former England youth international, Holding has made over 200 first-team appearances in his home country.

He moved to Arsenal in 2016 after developing at boyhood side Bolton Wanderers, and spent last spring on loan at EFL Championship side Sheffield United. In 2023, he joined Crystal Palace and saw limited playing time.

"Rob is a composed, experienced defender who has competed at the highest levels of the game," said Rapids president Pádraig Smith.

"His leadership and defensive quality will add real value to our back line. We’re excited to add Rob to our group."

Holding arrives at Colorado shortly after Nigerian international center back Chidozie Awaziem was transferred to French Ligue 1 side FC Nantes.

Earlier this summer, the Rapids also added US youth international center back Noah Cobb on loan from Atlanta United.

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