Columbus Crew set to strengthen ahead of new MLS season

Despite having just won the MLS Cup, the Columbus Crew are already looking ahead to next season. According to The Athletic, the Crew are close to signing Derrick Jones Jr. The midfielder would arrive as a free agent after his contract with Charlotte FC came to an end. While the signing has not yet been made official, it is expected to be announced over the coming weeks.

Jones’ career to date

After ending 2023 with the third league title in the club’s history, Columbus Crew want to strengthen for the future. Jones can play in midfield and at centre-back. At 26 years of age, he has already forged a reputation for himself after spells with Houston Dynamo, Philadelphia Union, Nashville and most recently Charlotte.

Jones’ MLS career has been an up-and-down rollercoaster ride, even becoming a fixture in the USYNT, sharing a locker room with Tyler Adams, Josh Sargent and Auston Trusty at the U-20 World Cup. Now, at 26, he is in the prime of his career, having been a regular last season, playing 2,173 minutes in 34 games.

New player deals

The Crew will continue to study potential signings in the off-season. The next objective for the club, according to the same report, is new deals for Rudy Camacho and Steven Moreira, which are expected to be announced in the coming days.