Columbus Crew Near Deal for Former NYCFC Midfielder Santiago Rodriguez
Columbus Crew are close to signing attacking midfielder Santiago Rodriguez from Brazil's Botofogo as they search for a designated-player replacement.
As the MLS transfer deadline approaches, Columbus Crew are working to bring Santiago Rodriguez, a Uruguayan attacking midfielder who starred for New York City FC from 2021 to 2024, back to the league from Botofogo in Brazil's Série A. Rodriguez, 26, recorded two goals and five assists in 26 appearances last year and has yet to register a goal or assist this season. The Crew need a designated-player replacement after forward Wessam Abou Ali was placed on the season-ending injury list following ACL surgery.
Sources say Rodriguez has consented to a long-term deal, but the move still requires formal completion and may later free a DP spot when Abou Ali returns. Columbus currently counts Brais Mendez and Daniel Gazdag in the other DP slots, while recent signings include Eric Bailly, Josef Martinez and Gonzalo Tapia. The team hopes Rodriguez can boost an attack that has struggled in recent matches ahead of a challenging game against league-leading Nashville SC.
Why it matters
The signing could strengthen Columbus' attack and fill a key roster gap as the season heads into its final stretch.
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