TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Trade
The Colorado Rapids have acquired winger Michael Barrios from FC Dallas in exchange for an international roster spot and a SuperDraft pick swap, the clubs announced Wednesday. Dallas receive Colorado's No. 15 overall SuperDraft selection while Colorado receive the No. 21 pick.
Barrios joins a deep group of wingers in Colorado, alongside Jonathan Lewis, Nico Benezet and Braian Galvan. Designated Player Younes Namli regularly played on the wing as well, ditto for forward Andre Shinyashiki.
“We’re excited to reinforce our roster with a player of Michael’s quality,” Rapids executive VP & GM Pádraig Smith said in a club statement. “Michael has consistently been among the top chance creators in this league and offers blistering pace that’s hard to match. We believe he’ll be a strong addition to our group as we build toward next season.”
The 29-year-old Barrios had a career year in 2019, with five goals and 15 assists in 32 matches. Last season he started 19 of the club’s 22 games, adding a goal and five assists. He was tied for fifth in MLS in chances created from open play in 2020 and was top 15 in big chances created and expected assists.
“Michael Barrios has been an amazing player for us and we’re thankful for his contributions to the organization both on and off the field,” said FC Dallas President Dan Hunt. “He brought so much joy to our fans. We wish him the best in his next chapter.”
Barrios signed with Dallas in 2015 and has been a fixture in the starting XI ever since, making 179 career MLS appearances with the club. He has 31 goals and 44 assists during his time in the league thus far.
He's is the second wide attacker to depart Dallas in a trade this offseason, following Fafa Picault’s move to Houston. The club have already signed winger Jader Obrian, who was second in the Colombian league in goals. They have also added center back Jose Antonio Martinez.
Prior to MLS, Barrios played for Uniautonoma FC in his native Colombia, scoring 35 goals in 136 appearances.
