After two midseason transfer window signings, Columbus Crew SC may not be finished.
Reports surfaced on Tuesday that the club was close to acquiring Argentine center back Gaston Sauro. The 25-year-old defender began his career at Boca Juniors, one of his home nation’s most storied clubs. He had been part of Swiss side FC Basel since 2012 but spent last season on loan to Italian Serie B club Catania. That team had an option to make the loan permanent at the conclusion of the season.
Sauro was also reportedly drawing interest from Spanish La Liga side Levante.
@MLSTransfers Gaston Sauro to Columbus Crew #CrewSC http://t.co/E8Xndrf2tp pic.twitter.com/Mz8tuD1kC0
— Patrick (@patricksp71) August 4, 2015
Indications are that Sauro will be signing a three-year deal with the Major League Soccer side though details are unlikely to be initially disclosed per league policy. It is anticipated that he will fall under the Discovery Signing designation and take up an international roster spot.
Gaston Sauro Reportedly To Sign With Columbus Crew SC
The move attempts to shore up a Crew SC back line that has turned in consecutive less than stellar performances in regular season play. After blowing a 3-0 second half lead at home on July 25th against Toronto FC who came back to salvage a 3-3 draw, the Black and Gold were thoroughly outplayed in a 5-2 drubbing in Orlando last Saturday.
Sauro brings a great deal of experience in Europe that includes participating in UEFA Champions League and Europa League play with Basel. The club won two Swiss Super League titles (2012-13, 2013-14) during his stint with the club, finished as runner-up in the Swiss Cup both those years and made it all the way to the Europa League semi-finals in 2013. They would face English giants Chelsea, falling 5-2 on aggregate.
The forthcoming signing comes on the heels of two other acquisitions in MLS’ summer transfer window. Last Friday, the club announced the signing of Ghanaian right back Harrison Afful from Tunisian club Esperance. Forward Jack McInerney would then be added to the roster from the Montreal Impact on Tuesday.
Be sure to stay tuned to Last Word Soccer Club to keep track of all the midseason signings leading up to the close of the MLS summer transfer window on Thursday.
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