TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Extension
Columbus Crew SC announced on Thursday they have signed midfielder Federico Higuain to a one-year Designated Player contract extension, which runs through the 2019 season.
Higuain, the longest-tenured player on the Crew SC roster, is currently in his seventh season with Columbus. The 33-year-old has 157 MLS regular-season appearances with the club to date, and reached the MLS "50-50 club" this year in notching at least 50 goals and 50 assists in his career. In 2015, he helped lead the team to the MLS Cup final.
"In addition to being one of the premier playmakers in MLS, Federico is a model professional who leads by example," said sporting director and head coach Gregg Berhalter in a team statement. “Federico has consistently performed at a high level for many years now, which is a testament to both his quality and work ethic and so we are pleased to reach a contract extension for the 2019 campaign.
"We are excited to see how a player with a historic career continues to add to his legacy as a player and a teammate, on and off the field. Federico is an important part of this system and as a team we remain committed in our push for another return to the postseason."
Higuain, older brother of Juventus forward Gonzalo Higuain, began his career in his native Argentina, making his debut for powerhouse River Plate before going on to play for Nueva Chicago, Independiente, Colon and Godoy Cruz. Prior to joining Crew SC, he also played abroad for Turkish giant Besiktas and for Mexican titan Club América. His tenure with Columbus is by far the longest in his career.
