In a recent development for Columbus Crew, they have snagged midfielder Lassi Lappalainen as a free agent for the impending 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season, with a club option 2026. This Finnish midfielder's journey to Columbus reunites him with current Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy, under whom Lappalainen's 2022 campaign with CF Montreal included three goals and seven assists.
Lappalainen, aged 26, previously clocked in six seasons at CF Montreal, initially on loan from Bologna, before a full signing in 2021. According to NBC4i, the midfielder has a robust track record with 99 games, 15 goals, and an equivalent number of assists. Despite committing to Italian club Bologna, he never broke into a match for the Serie A team, positioning himself instead across the Atlantic in MLS.
Further insight from The Columbus Dispatch suggests that this acquisition marks Columbus Crew's first substantial roster change this offseason, following the re-signing of their goalkeeper, Evan Bush. Crew General Manager Issa Tall highlighted Lappalainen's ability to adapt to multiple pitched positions and expressed the team's enthusiasm for the Finnish player's flexibility and experience.
Lappalainen endured a hernia surgery in December 2023 and managed 11 appearances, including one as a starter in the 2024 season. His international experience spans nine caps for Finland, as per a release cited by Spectrum News. Despite the promising start to his career, the midfielder has not graced the national team's lineup since 2021. Crew fans can anticipate sampling their new midfielder's prowess when the team hosts the Chicago Fire on February 22 at Lower.com Field.
The additions and changes to the Crew's roster, including parting with a few players, come as the club prepares for the upcoming CONCACAF Champions Cup. Having concluded as runners-up last season, the Black & Gold are expected to bring their A-game for the first leg of the tournament at either Los Angeles FC or the Colorado Rapids on March 4, aiming to write a different ending this time around.
