Columbus Crew Pursuing Transfer for Diego Rossi from Fenerbahce
The Columbus Crew is making moves ahead of the transfer deadline, as they attempt to finalize a transfer for Uruguay international forward Diego Rossi from Fenerbahce, according to league sources. The Crew currently has an open designated player spot after transferring star attacking midfielder Lucas Zelarayan to Saudi side Al-Fateh earlier this week. The transfer window is set to close at midnight Central time on Thursday.
Diego Rossi, 25, joined Fenerbahce from LAFC in 2021 and has since made a significant impact with the Turkish giants. In his time with Fenerbahce, Rossi has recorded 10 goals and 20 assists in 90 appearances. However, it was during his tenure with LAFC in MLS that Rossi truly made a name for himself. He scored the club’s first-ever goal in 2018 and went on to amass an impressive record of 59 goals and 22 assists in 121 matches. This exceptional performance earned him the 2020 MLS Golden Boot, two MLS All-Star selections, and a spot on the MLS Best XI.
Rossi’s potential move to the Crew would bolster their already formidable attack, which has been the best in the league this season. With Zelarayan’s departure, Rossi would join Cucho Hernandez and Christian Ramirez in leading the Crew’s offensive charge. Hernandez has contributed eight goals and seven assists in 1,630 minutes this season, while Ramirez has recorded 10 goals and four assists in 1,549 minutes.
As a natural winger, Rossi would likely be deployed in a more central role for the Crew. Head coach Wilfried Nancy’s back three system relies on width from wingbacks, allowing the front three attackers to play more narrowly and with freedom. The Crew has been in fine form this season, scoring a league-leading 45 goals in MLS play.
The Crew has been active in the transfer market this summer, making several notable acquisitions. They traded for wingback Julian Gressel from the Vancouver Whitecaps and center back Rudy Camacho from CF Montréal. Additionally, goalkeeper Eloy Room terminated his contract with the Crew and signed with Vitesse, while center back Milos Degenek completed a transfer to Red Star Belgrade.
In addition to their transfer activity, the Crew is also competing in the knockout round of the Leagues Cup. They are set to face Minnesota United in the round of 32 on Friday. Following their cup fixture, the Crew will resume MLS play on August 20 against in-state rivals FC Cincinnati.
The potential addition of Diego Rossi to the Columbus Crew would undoubtedly strengthen their attacking prowess and provide them with another potent goal-scoring threat. With their sights set on securing the transfer before the deadline, the Crew is poised to continue their impressive run in MLS and make a strong push for silverware this season.
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