TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS:Report
The Colorado Rapids are eyeing a highly-rated Olympique Lyonnais prospect in the quest to spruce up their barren attack, according to a French journalist.
Tristan Molineri reported via Twitter on Tuesday that the Rapids are seeking a loan move for Lyon’s Aldo Kalulu, a French-Rwandan striker currently on loan at Ligue 2 side Sochaux. Colorado apparently want to "buy" the rest of his Sochaux loan so he can move stateside this winter, but may have some wooing to do, with Molineri claiming that an MLS stint is “not a priority” for Kalulu at this time.
Born in Lyon and reared in OL’s vaunted academy, Kalulu, who turns 22 later this month, has represented France at Under-18 level and is also eligible to play for Rwanda via his family’s heritage.
Profiled as a talent with “the quality to become a big star” in a 2016 ESPN profile, Kalulu has scored five goals in 29 first-team appearances with Lyon as well as on loan stints with Rennes and Sochaux, flashing both finishing prowess and an eye for the pass reflective of time spent in a playmaking role earlier in his career. But injury and fierce competition for minutes have hindered his progression towards a regular role in Lyon’s lineup. He's also been connected with English club Norwich City of late:
With 31 goals in 34 league games, Colorado’s attack finished tied for worst in MLS last year and their 10th-place finish in the Western Conference standings reflected it. The Rapids hired former New Zealand national team manager Anthony Hudson as their new head coach earlier this offseason.
