Colorado Rapids are talking with Crystal Palace about signing English center back Rob Holding to make their defense stronger for the MLS playoffs. Holding who played a lot at Arsenal could be really good for the Rapids team.
- Colorado Rapids are trying to get Rob Holding from Crystal Palace.
- Holding played 162 times for Arsenal and won 2 FA Cups and 3 Community Shields.
- Coming to MLS would help make the Rapids defense better for playoffs.
Rob Holding’s Career Path
Rob Holding who was born in Tameside England started playing pro with Bolton Wanderers before going to Arsenal. At Arsenal he was really good in defense and helped them win 2 FA Cups and 3 Community Shield matches. He went to Crystal Palace in January 2023 but didn’t play much only one time with the first team. He went on loan to Sheffield United and helped them get to the playoff final but then had problems with the Palace manager and got sent to play with the U21 team.
🏴006700620065006e0067007f Sources: Colorado Rapids in talks to sign English center back Rob Holding from Crystal Palace.
Strong competition in England to sign him as well.
Holding, 29, had been with Arsenal for years before Palace.
W/ @JacobsBen https://t.co/d1BllCvxU0
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert)
July 23, 2025
Colorado Rapids’ Ambitions
The Colorado Rapids really want to get Holding’s experience for their defense. Since he played at Arsenal for so long and wants to start over in MLS, they think he’d be great. They wouldn’t have to pay much money for him which is good for what the Rapids want to do with their team.
Crystal Palace’s Situation
Crystal Palace got moved down from Europa League to Conference League cause they broke some UEFA rules about owning multiple clubs which made things harder for them. Holding’s contract goes until 2026 but he barely plays so he’ll probably leave. While the Rapids and other teams try to sign him, where Holding goes next could really change things for him and whatever team gets him.
To learn more about MLS check out the Vancouver Whitecaps getting better and Atlanta United’s tough season. Also, maybe Kevin De Bruyne going to Chicago Fire shows how more European players want to come to MLS.
