The Columbus Crew signed Romanian midfielder Alexandru Matan to an international roster slot, the defending MLS Cup champions announced Monday.
Matan, 21, joins the Crew from FC Viitorul Constanta of Romania’s First Division, where he registered five goals and 12 assists in 66 appearances (45 starts) across all competitions from 2016-21.
“Alex is a promising young player whose technical ability, dribbling skills and ability to play on both sides of the ball make him a good fit for our style of play,” Crew president and general manager Tim Bezbatchenko said in a release. “As someone who is a creative player capable of playing wide or centrally, he gives us another dynamic attacking option which will be critical with a busy schedule across Champions League and MLS action in the coming months. We are excited to welcome him and look forward to incorporating him into our group.”
Matan competed in six UEFA Europa League qualifiers with Viitorul Constanta and helped the team win the Cupa Romaniei — Romania’s domestic cup — in 2018-19. He spent 2019-20 on loan at FC Voluntari, netting one goal and two assists in 26 games (21 starts).
Matan will join the Crew for training camp pending receipt of his international paperwork. The 2021 MLS regular season begins in April.
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–Field Level Media