COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (March 15, 2018) – The Colorado Rapids announced the signing of forward Yannick Boli from Dàlián Yīfāng of the Chinese Super League today. Boli will join the club upon receipt of his ITC (International Transfer Certificate) and P-1 visa. He was signed using Targeted Allocation Monday (TAM) and the contract is a one-year deal.
Colorado Rapids Sign Forward Yannick Boli With TAM
“Yannick is a very strong addition to our attack,” said Rapids Executive Vice President & General Manager, Pádraig Smith. “He’s a natural goal-scorer, and his pace and boldness inside the box will help create space for others. We look forward to welcoming him to Colorado.”
Boli is now the fourteenth player to be added to the Colorado Rapids since the end of the 2017 regular season. The traditional No. 9 joins a fresh forward core along with Joe Mason, who recently joined the club.
“This is an exciting next step in my career,” said Boli. “The Rapids are a club with an ambitious vision for the future, and I look forward to bringing that vision to life. I can’t wait to get started.”
The Paris Saint-Germain F.C. academy product turned professional in 2005. He played several years in France and eventually joined Russian Premier League side FC Anzhi Makhachkala in 2014. He played three years in Russia, scoring 26 goals in 62 games before moving to China last year.
Internationally, he is eligible for both France and Ivory Coast. He chose his ancestral African home in 2008 and competed with them at the Olympics that summer. At the senior team level, Boli has two caps for the Elephants, both in calendar year 2017.
Boli will occupy the International Roster spot the Rapids had available. He was signed with TAM. With paperwork, he is expected to join the team in be eligible for selection in one to two weeks.
TRANSACTION: Colorado Rapids – March 15, 2018 – Rapids sign striker Yannick Boli, using Targeted Allocation Money, to a one-year contract.
Full Name: Yannick Boli
Age: 30
Position: Striker
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 170 lbs.
Birth Date: January 13, 1988
Birthplace: Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, France
