Colorado Rapids loan KV Kortrijk's Marko Ilić - Alternative to Patrick Pentz
This article first appeared on Feb. 4 and has been updated with new information.
Major League Soccer side Colorado Rapids have loaned goalkeeper Marko Ilić from KV Kortrijk. Colorado made an original offer of €600,000 plus a 20% sell-on clause for Ilić but after lengthy negotiations, that deal has turned to an initial loan with an option to buy. The signing, for now, concludes the Rapids' goalkeeper search.
"Marko is an athletic goalkeeper who is not only a good shot stopper, but also good with his feet, a strong passer who can help us build out from the back," Colorado Rapids general manager Pádraig Smith said in a club statement. "We're delighted to reinforce what is already a top goalkeeping group with his addition and look forward to welcoming Marko to the club."
The MLS side was in advanced talks to sign Austrian goalkeeper Patrick Pentz from Stade Reims ahead of deadline day and had a deal all but agreed. Pentz, however, opted out of the transfer at the last moment, signing for Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen instead. As a result, Colorado Rapids are now pursuing other options, among them Ilić.
Ilić to Colorado Rapids - Played 71 Jupiler Pro League games
Signed by Kortrijk from Serbian side Vozdovac in 2020 and, in 71 Jupiler Pro League games for the club, has conceded 113 goals and managed 16 clean sheets. Ilić also made his debut for Serbia in June 2021 against Jamaica (1-1).
HomepageSources! #Rapids96 have made an offer for Serbian goalkeeper Marko Ilić from KV Kortrijk. The initial offer is around €600,000 plus 20% add-ons.
— Manuel Veth (@ManuelVeth) February 4, 2023
Colorado Rapids were in advanced talks with goalkeeper Patrick Pentz, who opted to sign for Leverkusen instead. pic.twitter.com/qRmMC2QYM6
- Date of Birth/Age:
- 03.02.1998 (25)
- Nat.:
- Current club:
- Colorado Rapids
- Contract until:
- Jul 5, 2023
- Position:
- Goalkeeper
- Market Value:
- €1.50m
- Total Market Value:
- €20.43m
- Competition:
- Jupiler Pro League
- Position:
- 14.
- Manager:
- Bernd Storck
- Squad size:
- 28
- Latest Transfer:
- Nikolas Dyhr
- Total Market Value:
- €35.80m
- Competition:
- Major League Soccer
- Manager:
- Robin Fraser
- Squad size:
- 32
- Latest Transfer:
- Danny Leyva
