TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS:Signing
Columbus Crew SC have signed two-time MLS Golden Boot presented by Audi winner Bradley Wright-Phillips as a free agent, the club announced Wednesday.
Wright-Phillips, 35, is sixth all-time in MLS goals scored, tallying 116 times across a combined 213 games from previous stops with the New York Red Bulls and LAFC. He spent last year with the Black & Gold, earning 2020 MLS Comeback Player of the Year honors while posting eight goals and six assists in 18 games (14 starts).
“We are thrilled that Bradley has chosen to join Crew SC as we look to build off of our 2020 MLS Cup title and continue to contend for trophies headed into 2021,” said Crew SC president & general manager Tim Bezbatchenko said in a team release. “As one of the most proficient strikers in our league over the last decade, Bradley brings valuable veteran experience to our attacking corps and we look forward to his contributions. We also believe Bradley’s quality character and mentality is an asset to every team he has played for and has played a critical role in all the personal success he’s had in his career.”
Wright-Phillips figures to give the 2020 MLS Cup champions another bonafide option at striker alongside Gyasi Zardes, who was tied for second in MLS in goals scored (12) this past season. The Crew need other reliable options in the No. 9 role, too, considering they’ll be in the 2021 Concacaf Champions League and Zardes figures to be part of a busy calendar year for the US men’s national team.
In an Instagram post, Wright-Phillips bid farewell to LAFC and paid tribute to the club's supporters.
Wright-Phillips recently made MLS’s “The 25 Greatest” list that commemorated a quarter century for the league. He first arrived in MLS in 2013 with RBNY, then scored 17 goals or more every season from 2014-18. He’s reached 20 goals three times during his MLS stay, most recently in 2018.
A three-time MLS Supporters’ Shield Winner (2013, 2015, 2018) and two-time MLS Best XI selection (2014, 2016), Wright-Phillips came stateside after starting his career in his native England where he emerged as a Manchester Cityacademy product.
