The Columbus Crew just made a move that could change the trajectory of their season. They’ve signed Brais Méndez, a midfielder from LaLiga’s Real Sociedad, and they’re making him a Designated Player.
Méndez is 29 years old and has spent his whole professional career in Spain. He’s got 55 goals and 42 assists across 332 appearances split between Real Sociedad and Celta de Vigo. That’s not just a stat line. That’s a guy who can create chances out of nothing.
The contract runs through the 2028-29 season with a club option for 2029-30. So this isn’t a short-term rental. Columbus is building around him.
He also helped Real Sociedad win the 2025-26 Copa del Rey, beating Atlético Madrid in the final. That’s a big game player. And on the international side, Méndez has four caps with Spain and one goal. His last appearance came in a World Cup qualifier back in 2022.
Crew general manager Issa Tall didn’t hold back in the announcement.
“We are excited to add Brais to our team and welcome him to Columbus. His high-level technical skillset and understanding of the game, displayed in one of the best leagues in the world, will have a positive impact on our roster,” Tall said. “The addition of Brais gives our team another talented player for the short and long-term, and we look forward to his arrival as we look to push during the second part of our season.”
Where the Crew Stand Right Now
It’s not all sunshine in Columbus. After the World Cup break, the Crew sit 10th in the Eastern Conference with 16 points. That’s just outside the playoff line. They need wins, not just hope.
Their next game is July 22 against New York City FC at home. It’ll be on Apple TV. That’s the first chance for fans to see whether Méndez makes an immediate impact or needs time to adjust to MLS.
The timing of this signing matters. July 2 is early enough in the summer window to integrate a player before the playoff push. But also late enough that you feel the pressure. Columbus has been inconsistent. Adding a guy who’s played at the highest level in Spain should help, but there’s no guarantee it clicks right away.
Méndez might be the kind of player who changes a team’s identity. He’s technical. He sees passes others don’t. But MLS is a different beast. The travel, the heat, the physicality. It’s not LaLiga.
Still, the Crew are betting he can handle it. And they’re paying him like a franchise player.
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