Ghanaian center back Lalas Abubakar is one of the positive stories of the 2019 MLS season. He arrived to Colorado Rapids from Columbus Crew on loan in May and established himself as one of the team’s key players while helping Rapids to make a late playoff push. So it isn’t strange that Rapids want to keep him, although he may come at a steep price.
According to Pro Soccer USA’s Ben Ferree, Rapids will have to spend more than $1 million in allocation money in order to acquire Abubakar on a permanent basis. The team already spent $125,000 in Targeted Allocation Money to bring in the 24-year-old on loan.
The thing that might spoil Rapids’ plans is the fact that Abubakar has become a sought-after player following his good games in Colorado. Several teams besides Rapids are interested in the defender, while Columbus is also thinking about keeping the player on their roster.
If you ask Lalas Abubakar, however, he would prefer a return to Colorado.
“I wish to stay with Colorado Rapids, but I’m well informed that Columbus still want me back,” – said Abubakar in a recent talk with Zuria FM. “Colorado Rapids have cherished me so well since going there and I believe my development will grow well with Colorado Rapids and I just want to continue with them.”
Abubakar was drafted fifth overall in 2017 MLS SuperDraft by Columbus. He made 31 appearances with Crew and scored two goals in three years. With Rapids, he made 22 appearances.
