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It’s official: Rapids sign Julien Baudet
The Colorado Rapids have announced the signing of defender Julien Baudet.
The deal was conceived months ago and reported on extensively: BBC Radio confirmed Baudet was coming to the Rapids in mid-April. The Web site of his former team, Crew Alexandra of England’s League One, published a post about the move, and I think Big Soccer passed along rumors before that.
And, as reported here, the Rapids have even had Baudet’s name above a locker in the team dressing room.
The Rapids will add the 30-year-old center back after the July 15 international transfer window opens and after Baudet receives his international transfer certificate.
Baudet’s career began in France with Ligue Un club Toulouse, followed by stints with Oldham Athletic, Rotherham United and Notts County in England. Throughout his career, he has tallied 18 goals and three assists from his center-back position.
So what does this mean for the lineup? Cory Gibbs plays central defense, as does Scott Palguta, who’s in his first season with the Rapids. Palguta’s play has pushed Ugo Ihemelu to right back and pushed Kosuke Kimura out of the starting lineup. Might Palguta be the odd man out when Baudet arrives?
Palguta said he’s ready to compete for his spot, if that’s where coach Gary Smith decides to place the Frenchman.
“Competition is something you’re always going to have on any team you play on; Gary is all about that,” Palguta said. “It’s not something I haven’t dealt with in the past on my previous club. I welcome it. It should never be that easy for anybody; everybody should have to fight for their place. That’s fine with me. I’m up for it.”
Read more at the Rapids’ Web site. The Rapids even have a photo of Baudet wearing the burgundy jersey.
And at the Rapids Undercurrent, there’s a Q&A with Baudet and a photo of him in the sky-blue kit.
And Baudet’s profile is still available on the Crewe Alexandra Web site.
Could be a good acquisition, but the Rapids need wingers also.
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