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Diego Rossi returning to MLS with Columbus Crew

By Anthony Rotz

SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - 2023/07/15: Diego Rossi (16) of Fenerbahce in action during the Pari Premier Cup football match between Fenerbahce Istanbul and Neftci Baku at Stadium Smena. Fenerbahce S.K. team won against Neftci Baku PFK with a final score of 1:0. (Photo by Maksim Konstantinov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - 2023/07/15: Diego Rossi (16) of Fenerbahce in action during the Pari Premier Cup football match between Fenerbahce Istanbul and Neftci Baku at Stadium Smena. Fenerbahce S.K. team won against Neftci Baku PFK with a final score of 1:0. (Photo by Maksim Konstantinov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) /
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After a couple years away, Diego Rossi is coming back.

Columbus Crew is closing in on an agreement with Fenerbache for winger Diego Rossi. The fee is close to $6M. To complete the deal, Columbus is sending $200,000 in General allocation money to Atlanta United for the player’s Discovery Rights.

Rossi, 25, is no stranger to MLS, having made 121 appearances for LAFC between 2018 and 2021 as one of their first-ever signings.

An Uruguayan international, Rossi was among the league’s elite performers during his stay in Los Angeles, scoring 51 goals and assisting 19 in MLS. As he was accumulating goal contributions, he was receiving as many awards. Lucas Zelarayán.

His tenure in LA saw the 25-year-old awarded the 2020 Golden Boot, MLS is Back Young Player of the Tournament, and 2020 Young Player of the Year. While also being named a two-time All-Star, and selected to the 2020 MLS Best IX, and 2020 CONCACAF Champions League Team of the Season. Rossi’s performances also helped to guide LAFC to the 2019 Supporter’s Shield and a CONCACAF Champions League Finals appearance.

Rossi’s outstanding form in North America caught the attention of Turkish giants Fenerbache, who paid nearly $10M to secure his services in 2021.

After finding a purple patch of form when he first arrived in Turkey, Rossi has not been as effective as he was stateside. In 90 appearances, the Uruguayan has managed 10 goals and 16 assists.

Why Rossi?

Rossi will fill help to fill the creative void left by Lucas Zelarayán, who recently moved to Al-Fateh. Zelarayán scored 42 goals and had 23 assists during his time with Columbus, often being the focal point of the team. Zelarayán’s departure also opened up a Designated Player spot, something the Crew was keen to fill as soon as possible as the team looks to contend.

Rossi, with his experience and resume in the league, is an outstanding replacement for the midfielder.

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