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Columbus Crew: A New DP, As Star Players Look To Exit

By Tyler Hanson

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 29: Columbus Crew players pose for a team picture before the second leg of the MLS Cup eastern conference final between Toronto FC and Columbus Crew on November 29, 2017, at BMO Field in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photograph by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 29: Columbus Crew players pose for a team picture before the second leg of the MLS Cup eastern conference final between Toronto FC and Columbus Crew on November 29, 2017, at BMO Field in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photograph by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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With a possible move to Austin looming over 2018, the Columbus Crew joined the young South American craze with the signing of fullback Milton Valenzuela.

The Columbus Crew has signed Newell’s Old Boys full back and Argentina U-20 international Milton Valenzuela on loan with an option to buy. Valenzuela will be a young Designated Player for the Crew, becoming the latest name on a growing list of young South Americans to take their talents to Major League Soccer recently.

To make room for Valenzuela, the Crew have used Targeted Allocation Money to buy down the contract of Ghanaian center back Jonathan Mensah, who will no longer be a DP. At just 19 years old, Valenzuela was widely considered to be Newell’s Old Boys’ most promising young player.

He should do well to fill the spot that Jukka Raitala left when he was selected in the MLS Expansion Draft. As of right now, Valenzuela will be the only DP fullback in MLS, the Crew are hoping the move pays off.

https://twitter.com/ColumbusCrewSC/status/956987627097346048

2017 Stars Exiting

Meanwhile, star players want out of Columbus, and they have cited the potential Austin move as a motive. Norwegian striker Ola Kamara is already out the door after he was traded to the LA Galaxy in exchange for Gyasi Zardes. Iraqi international winger Justin Meram now wants out as well but has reported to training camp.

The Portland Timbers have been linked to a trade for Meram, but have denied reports, leaving Meram waiting for the right move. Losing both Kamara and Meram in the same offseason, who were the Crew’s two most dangerous players last season, would be a disaster for the club.

Next: Five quick questions with NISA co-founder Peter Wilt

It will be an interesting year in Columbus for a variety of reasons. How does their new fullback Valenzuela fare in MLS and of course if new ownership can be discovered to #SaveTheCrew.

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