The Columbus Crew who just lost crowd favorite Lucas Zelarayán to Al Fetah of the Saudi Pro League have signed Diego Rossi.

Rossi comes to the black and gold via Turkish side Fenerbahce as a designated player. The fee is undisclosed and Rossi’s contract runs through 2026 with an option for 2027.

The forward returns to the MLS where he was a two-time all-star with LAFC. Rossi won the Golden Boot award in 2020, the youngest to ever do so. He has 49 goals and 23 assists in 107 MLS games.

The Crew are currently in sixth place in the Eastern Conference so replacing a star like Zelarayán was an absolute must if the Crew wanted to compete at a high level.

The 25-year-old Uruguayan could make his Columbus Crew debut this Friday when the Crew host Minnesota United FC at lower.com Field.

-Ed in Columbus

*photo courtesy of Diego Rossi Instagram page @diegorossi9*