Three European Signings With Rapids Ties

Over the last week there have been three singings (or almost signings in the first case) with ties to the Rapids.

The big news is that the deal with Stav Lemkin has apparently fallen through.  After the report by Tom Bogert, backed up by the Post and Burgundy Wave, that the two sides were in negotiations all signs were pointing to a done deal.  Then this weekend FC Twente of the Eredivisie was linked to him and he was reportedly flying to the Netherlands to sign a deal.  Today Bogert is reporting that the deal was agreed on but Twente came in late with an offer and Lemkin is choosing to accept it. 

Twente is a top 5-6 team in the Netherlands and played in the Champions League last season and other European competitions the prior two years.  They didn't qualify for Europe next year but Lemkin has to expect they will be back in Europe soon.  Its hard to pass that opportunity up.  We have to hope that Smith and Taylor have a backup plan for that reported $1.6M they were going to use on the transfer fee, especially if Maxso leaves.

In other news my English team, Blackburn Rovers, made their first ever signing (that I know of) of a former Rapid.  And of all people its Sidnei Tavares.  After his 5 appearances here on loan in the fall of 2023 we waived him but were still on the hook for paying him until the end of the loan in the summer of 2024.  He spent last season at Portuguese side Moreirense.  Reportedly Rovers are paying 2 million for him, in either Pounds or Euros, depending on the source.  I'll will mention if he turns out to be any good in Lancashire.

Two Rovers have then plays for the Rapids, Roy Wegerle and Jermaine Jones, plus there's been some Rapids coaches who have spent time in Blackburn but this is the first time an ex-Rapid has made it to Rovers.

The final signing is a happier one for everyone I think.  Yesterday non-league side Brackley Town who were just promoted from the National League North to the National League announced the signing of Jack Price.  Great to see the ex-captain and fan favorite back on the pitch.  He'll play my Wealdstone FC in the National League, its a long-shot but I may have to travel to London for work, maybe I can arrange it for when Brackely are playing Wealdstone.