Toronto FC reportedly acquire USMNT's Djordje Mihailovic from the Colorado Rapids for club-record $8 million fee, plus add-ons

Toronto FC has reportedly acquired U.S. international Djordje Mihailovic from the Colorado Rapids for a fee of $8 million + $1 million in add-ons and a sell-on clause, according to GIVEMESPORT. 

The deal will be part of MLS'sCash for Players mechanism that was introduced ahead of the 2025 season. It is the second-largest fee since the mechanism was introduced, trailing only Evander's move from the Portland Timbers to FC Cincinnati. 

The 26-year-old asked Colorado for the transfer to Toronto, according to the report. The Rapids had initially turned down multiple approaches from Toronto and did not want to move Mihailovic, but the U.S. international requested to leave. Mihailovic did not feature for Colorado on Sunday against Tijuana in the Leagues Cup, with the trade nearly sealed.

TFC and Mihailovic are now set to engage in discussions for a new long-term contract. 

Toronto wanted to secure a proven MLS star this transfer window after they bought out the contract of both Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardechi earlier this window. Both Italy internationals have previously occupied DP slots with the club. Mihailovic will now take one of the slots and lead a new-look squad in Toronto under the leadership of manager Robin Fraser. 

Mihalovic joined the Rapids in 2024 from AZ Alkmaar in the Dutch Eredivisie. Since his arrival in Colorado, he scored 20 goals and recorded 21 assists in 53 regular-season matches. 

TFC currently sits 14th in the East, 14 points out of a playoff spot with 10 matches left in the campaign. 

Mihailovic was one of three overage players selected to lead the U23 USMNT at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. With the senior USMNT, he last appeared during the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup, where he scored twice and recorded three assists during the competition. 

TFC returns to the pitch on Saturday, Aug. 9, when they take to the road to face the Philadelphia Union. They face the Columbus Crew the following weekend, meaning both matches could serve as a potential opportunity for the U.S. international to debut.