Andre Gomes (foto: Uradni FB/TW/IG profil igralca)
Portugal international Andre Gomes signs for Columbus Crew on an 18-month deal, leaving Europe for MLS ahead of the new season.
Andre Gomes has left Europe for the first time in his career, with the former Barcelona and Portugal midfielder signing for Columbus Crew ahead of the new MLS season.
The 32-year-old arrives in the United States after most recently representing Lille in France. Earlier in his career, he also played for Benfica, Valencia, Barcelona and Everton, building a résumé that includes major domestic and international honours.
Gomes earned 29 caps for Portugal and formed part of the squad that won Euro 2016, the country’s first major international trophy. At club level, he lifted silverware with both Benfica and Barcelona.
A new chapter in the United States
Columbus Crew have handed the Portuguese midfielder an 18-month contract, bringing experience and pedigree to a squad that reached last season’s MLS playoffs.
Once regarded as one of Europe’s most promising midfielders, Gomes secured a high-profile move to Barcelona in 2016 for a fee close to €40 million. He made 78 appearances for the Catalan club before moving to Everton, where he featured 114 times in all competitions during his Premier League spell.
Now, he begins a new challenge in North America.
Playoff ambitions
Columbus narrowly secured a playoff berth last season before suffering elimination against FC Cincinnati. Cincinnati impressed during the regular season, finishing second, just one point behind Philadelphia Union, before their own campaign ended in the playoff semi-finals against Inter Miami, who ultimately claimed the title.
The new MLS season begins this week, with Cincinnati hosting Atlanta United and St. Louis City facing Charlotte FC on opening night.
Gomes arrives as Columbus aim to build on last year’s progress and strengthen their push for silverware.