The Colorado Rapids have signed Albania international forward Shkelzen Gashi from Swiss side FC Basel, the MLS club announced on Monday.
Gashi has been signed to a Designated Player contract, making him the team's second DP after forward Kevin Doyle.
The 27-year-old has led the Swiss Super League in scoring in each of the past two seasons.
Last week, the Rapids loaned another DP, Juan Ramirez, to Spanish second-division side Almeria.
NEWS: #Rapids96 acquire attacker Shkëlzen Gashi as Designated Player. #WelcomeGashi #OneClub https://t.co/jg6m4lLZfn pic.twitter.com/5DVeVO4JiG
- Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) February 1, 2016
"Shkelzen was our top attacking target this offseason," said Rapids director Paul Bravo. "He has proven to be a prolific goalscorer in his club's domestic and European success. In addition he has been instrumental in his national team's qualification campaign for Euro 2016. We are delighted to sign him on a permanent transfer and look forward to seeing him in burgundy."
Later on Monday, the Rapids sent midfielder Marcelo Sarvas to D.C. United in exchange for targeted allocation money.
Gashi represents Albania at international level but was born in Switzerland, where he has spent his entire professional career.
In addition to Basel, Gashi has played for, among others, FC Zurich, Neuchatel Xamax, Aarau, and Grasshoppers.
Since joining from Grasshoppers in 2014, he has scored 31 goals for Basel in 55 appearances in all competitions.
Colorado ranked last in MLS last season in goals scored, finding the net just 33 times in 34 league matches, and the club hope Gashi can not only continue his goal scoring prowess with the Rapids, but also provide a conduit to the likes of Doyle.
At international level, Gashi has scored one goal in 10 appearances.
