Kellyn Acosta is heading to Los Angeles, and the midfielder doesn’t appear to be too happy with how it all played out.
The Colorado Rapids reached an agreement to send Acosta to LAFC in exchange for up to $1.5 million in General Allocation Money — a blockbuster move that left Acosta venting on Twitter in the wake of the news Friday.
Responding to a tweet quoting a report that Colorado tried and failed to sign Acosta to an extension, and that interest in a European transfer failed to materialize, the 26-year-old midfielder rebuffed that account.
“This narrative is sad. CO pushed me out. They had an offer for me on the table from abroad and ongoing interests and opted to trade me,” Acosta tweeted in response.
The Rapids responded to Acosta’s tweet via a club spokesman, confirming to The Post that Acosta’s tweet was true and an offer was on the table from a European club, but it came after the trade with LAFC had been finalized.
“No offer at the time of the trade was agreed between the two clubs,” the spokesman said. “Over three hours later, we did receive an offer from a club in Europe asking for a one-year free loan with an option to buy.”
Acosta had been committed to the Rapids through the 2022 season, with a club option for 2023.
Now the club will receive as much as $1.5 million in GAM for sending him to LAFC, including an initial $1.1 million with up to $400,000 in incentives. Additionally, the Rapids retain a sell-on clause.
“Regardless of the matter, I enjoyed my time in CO and was with a great group of players and staff. We achieved things most wouldn’t believe. Wishing them the best moving forward. I’m excited for my next adventure!” Acosta tweeted.
Acosta, who has been an instrumental member of the Rapids since joining the club in 2018 from FC Dallas, has been a mainstay with the United States Men’s National Team as well. He made the most appearances for the program in a calendar year with 21 caps last year.
Acosta appeared in 22 games for Colorado last season, 20 of which were starts, and scored once over 1,700 minutes. Acosta has made 79 total appearances for the Rapids and has been a steady influence at midfield with an 83% average passing rate since joining the club.
Acosta was the highest-paid member of the Rapids according to MLS Players Association, which publishes an annual salary guide. He had a base salary of $1 million with a guaranteed max earning of 1.1 million.
It is the second blockbuster deal with LAFC in the last two seasons for the Rapids. Last year, Colorado sent $1 million in GAM and additional incentives to acquire Canadian international midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye.
It won’t be too long until the Rapids and Acosta meet again. Colorado is set to open its 2022 MLS campaign Feb. 26 against LAFC at Banc of California Stadium. The clubs will face off again at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on May 14.
