Nantes 'finalizing' deal for Colorado's Chidozie Awaziem 🇳🇬

A busy summer appears to be on tap for the Colorado Rapids after reports that defender Chidozie Awaziem is nearing a return to Europe.

Per MLS insider Tom Bogert (citing L'Equipe), Nantes is finalizing a move for the 28-year-old Nigerian center-back, who is adamant about securing a move back across the pond due to family concerns.

Sources: FC Nantes finalizing a deal to sign center back Chidozie Awaziem from the Colorado Rapids. L’Equipe first.

Awaziem wanted to go back to Europe, as his family isn’t in America. Colorado didn’t stand in his way, did right by the player. pic.twitter.com/WE6HGgLPh4

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) July 18, 2025

Awaziem last appeared across the pond as recently as 2024 with Portuguese outfit Boavista, but he also did a previous loan stint with Nantes during the 2017-18 campaign.

After his move to MLS, first with Cincinnati, Awaziem signed a one-year deal with the Rapids in December of last year and went on to make 20 appearances across the current 2025 MLS season. 

📸 Editorial Photo Credit: © Joe Nicholson | 2025 Jul 16 - Imagn Images