Columbus Crew has signed free agent Steven Moreira on a contract until the end of the season.
Moreira has been without a club since his Toulouse contract expired at the end of last season. Prior to that, he made 68 appearances for the club and also enjoyed spells with Lorient and Rennes earlier in his career.
From France to @MLS. @S_MoreiraOff brings nine years of experience in Europe to Columbus? # Crew96 pic.twitter.com/64uBQAMzHI
– The crew (@ColumbusCrew) August 24, 2021
Moreira has mainly been used as a right-back in the past but he can also play on the left side and in the heart of the defense. Last season, he made 30 Ligue 2 appearances and provided four assists when Toulouse lost in the play-offs against Nantes.
Commenting on the club’s website, President and General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko said he was very pleased with the signing.
“We are delighted to welcome Steven to the crew,” he said.
– Steven is a dynamic defender who is entering his career, and we believe that his addition will help strengthen our back line on both sides of the ball. As someone who has regularly played in one of the best leagues in the world, we are happy that he has chosen the crew and we look forward to integrating him into the team. ”
Moreira will be added to the list pending receipt of his international transfer certificate and P-1 visa. He will have an international roster, but has not been added as a designated player. It is assumed that Moreira’s contract includes an option to extend his stay by another two seasons.
He joins a squad struggling to replicate their achievements in 2020, where they won the MLS Cup. Columbus is currently ninth in the Eastern Conference, three points behind the playoffs.
Provided he is registered in time, he can be in the crew’s home game against FC Cincinnati this weekend. Columbus will be sure to close the gap in the playoffs with Orange and Blue currently second from the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
