Canada defender Moise Bombito has said it “was time” for his move to Nice from MLS side the Colorado Rapids for a club-record $7.7 million (£5.9m) that could rise to $10.7m (£8.2m) with add-ons.
MLS All-Star Bombito’s switch is a record for an MLS centre-back and comes 14 months after the 24-year-old made the first of his 12 international appearances, featuring in Canada’s run to the 2024 Copa America semi-finals.
“I will be discovering both Ligue 1 and the Europa League at the same time, and I feel ready,” Bombito told Nice’s website.
“It was time for me to take a new step in my career. I am very ambitious, like Le Gym. I hope we will achieve great things this season and go far in all the competitions we will play in.”
“For me, it’s home.”
You’ll always have a place with us, Moïse 🏔️#Rapids96 pic.twitter.com/wG1Ei5mcSk
— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) August 19, 2024
📰 Table Of Contents
OGC Nice: Bombito ‘warm’
Nice Sporting Director Florian Maurice said Bombito is “considered one of the best defenders in North America”, adding that the club are “convinced he will bring a lot to the team”.
“Beyond his qualities as a player, he will bring a lot of freshness to the group, which is important,” observed Nice President Jean-Pierre Rivere.
“In our meetings, we discovered an ambitious and warm young man. At the club, we quickly aligned on [signing him]. It’s now up to us to support him as best as we can so that he can contribute his quality to Nice.”
Forever grateful
Forever smiling
Forever a Burgundy Boy#Rapids96 pic.twitter.com/85E09dqH3O— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) August 19, 2024
MLS transfers: Bombito ‘impressive’
The third overall pick in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft joins the likes of Celtic’s Alistair Johnston, Inter Milan’s Tajon Buchanan and Mallorca’s Cyle Larin as Canada players to have made recent moves to Europe.
Rapids President Padraig Smith was also effusive in his praise for the University of New Hampshire college footballer.
“His impressive performances in recent months have shown that he has the potential to reach the top of the game,” said Smith.
“His journey is a testament to his character and hard work. Moise’s development showcases our club’s commitment to identify and develop the best young players. We wish him the best as he takes this next step in his career.”
Nice were beaten 2-1 at Auxerre in their first match of the season on Sunday, taking the lead but losing to a 95th-minute winner.
