Columbus Crew acquire DP midfielder Brais Méndez from Real Sociedad

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Major League Soccer

2 July 2026

By Jonathan Sigal

TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS:

Signing

The

Columbus Crew

have acquired midfielder Brais Méndez from LaLiga’s

Real Sociedad

, the club announced Thursday.

The 29-year-old Spain international will be a Designated Player. His contract runs through the 2028-29 season with a club option for 2029-30.

Méndez has spent his entire professional career in Spain's top divisions, tallying 55 goals and 42 assists in 332 matches spanning

and Celta de Vigo. He helped

win the 2025-26 Copa del Rey over Atlético Madrid.

Internationally, Méndez has one goal in four caps with Spain. He last featured in a 2022

FIFA World Cup

qualifier.

"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," said Crew general manager Issa Tall.

"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."

At the World Cup break, Columbus are just outside the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs places at 10th in the Eastern Conference (16 points).

They return to action on July 22 vs.

New York City FC

(7:30 pm ET |

Apple TV

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