CF Monterrey Signs Diego Rossi: Columbus Crew's Next Moves and Future Prospects
CF Monterrey is close to finalizing a deal to acquire Uruguayan forward Diego Rossi from the Columbus Crew. The transfer fee is reported to be up to $8 million. Rossi's contract with the Crew was set to expire next year, and despite initial talks for a new deal, both the player and the club agreed that a move to Monterrey in Mexico's Liga MX was the right decision at this time. Rossi has attracted interest and offers in previous transfer windows as well.
With Rossi's departure, the Columbus Crew will have the opportunity to add two designated players to their roster. Wessam Abou Ali has been placed on the season-ending injured list, opening up a DP spot for the club. The future of another DP, Daniel Gazdag, is uncertain as he has not met expectations since joining the team. Columbus is expected to be active in the transfer market this summer to bring in key reinforcements.
Diego Rossi, 28, has been a standout performer for the Crew since joining the team in 2023 from Fenerbahce. He has scored 51 goals in MLS, playoffs, and Leagues Cup matches, contributing to the club's success in winning the MLS Cup in 2023 and the Leagues Cup in 2024. Prior to his time with Columbus, Rossi played for LAFC and won the MLS Golden Boot in 2020.
The Columbus Crew is currently undergoing a period of transition with the departure of Rossi and the injury to Abou Ali. Laurent Courtois is serving as the interim head coach after taking over from Henrik Rydström in May. The team is looking to strengthen its squad following the departure of successful manager Wilfried Nancy to Celtic in the winter transfer window.
Despite their current challenges, Columbus is just two points below the playoff line in the Eastern Conference, with 19 games remaining in the season after the World Cup break in July. The team will be looking to regroup and make a push for the playoffs with new additions to the squad.