Bassett returns to MLS early after lack of playing time in Eredivisie
Cole Bassett has officially returned early from his loan to Fortuna Sittard to Colorado Rapids, the MLS side announced this morning. Part of the loan included the options for the Rapids to terminate the loan early based on certain performance metrics. As Burgundy Wave reported earlier this week, Bassett has not met the minutes threshold as part of that clause.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Cole back home to Colorado,” said Pádraig Smith, Colorado Rapids Executive VP & General Manager.
Bassett played in just 12 games in all competitions with just three starts and 269 total minutes. He had one goal and no assists for Fortunezen. To put it simply, the 21-year-old Homegrown simply didn’t get playing time. It was no longer productive for him or his parent club to have him ride the bench in the Eredivisie.
Sjors Ultee wanted Bassett but was fired a few days after the signing. Julio Velázquez came in and seemed happy with his first a performance, starting him but subbing him off at halftime. Fortuna are just four points above relegation and want to bring in reinforcements in January to stay up. Bassett just did not get enough chances and was surplus to requirements. Whether that was on him or the new manager is up to Fortuna in the second half of the year and the player in next year’s MLS season.
Feyenoord, who had the Littleton native on loan this past spring, still have the option to buy him from the Rapids in March. That is at a previously agreed fee believed to be between $1.5-2.5 million. The move to Fortuna intended to be proof of concept that he could establish himself in the same league and grow in time to be useful to De Stadionclub come the 2023-24 European season. It’s hard to see them exercising this option even if Bassett dominates the first month of the MLS season.
“We all know the caliber of player he is, and given his obvious familiarity with our club and the league, we believe he can be a key contributor as we make a push to return to the playoffs in 2023.”
Bassett returns to the open arms of the Rapids. The midfield was poor this year. Bassett’s energy, play between the lines, and abilities in the final third should have him be a regular starter in 2023. He’s never started more the 23 games in any MLS season. He’ll need to start, play well, and consistently to regain interest from European clubs on par with Feyenoord at the valuation Colorado would be willing to sell him for.