Columbus Crew acquire Brais Méndez as designated player
The Columbus Crew acquired Spanish midfielder Brais Méndez from La Liga's Real Sociedad on July 2, 2026, as a Designated Player. Real Sociedad will receive six million euros for the Galician midfielder. His contract runs through the 2028-29 season with a club option for 2029-30, pending a medical examination and work permit. He is expected to join the active roster when MLS's secondary transfer window opens on July 13.
Key Takeaways
- Columbus Crew signed Brais Méndez as a Designated Player from Real Sociedad for six million euros.
- His deal runs through 2028-29 with a club option for 2029-30, pending medical clearance and a work permit.
- Méndez scored 33 goals and 24 assists in 166 Real Sociedad matches across nearly a decade in Spain's top flight.
- He helped Real Sociedad qualify for the Champions League and win the 2025-26 Copa del Rey.
- The 29-year-old is Real Sociedad's first summer departure among contracted players still drawing transfer interest.
Why did Columbus Crew sign Brais Méndez?
The Black & Gold targeted Méndez to strengthen their midfield for the second half of the 2026 season. General Manager Issa Tall said the club is excited to add a player whose high-level technical skillset and game understanding were displayed in one of the world's best leagues.
"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," Tall said in the club's announcement.
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What is Méndez's track record at Real Sociedad?
Méndez, a Celta Vigo youth product born in Mos, Spain, joined Real Sociedad in 2022 for 14 million euros after five years with Celta. MARCA reports he was very important under coach Imanol Alguacil in his first two seasons, but lost prominence under Sergio Francisco and Pellegrino Matarazzo.
Across four seasons in San Sebastián, he played 166 matches and was among the architects of the club's Champions League qualification. His debut campaign brought 47 appearances and 11 goals, a personal record. He also scored in the Champions League against Inter Milan and Benfica.
Earlier this year, Méndez helped Real Sociedad win the Copa del Rey, beating Atlético Madrid on penalties. At Anoeta, the club had sought around seven million euros for the midfielder, according to MARCA.
When will Brais Méndez debut for Columbus?
Méndez will occupy an international roster slot once his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 visa are finalized. The Crew plan to register him when the MLS secondary transfer window opens on July 13.
The transfer remains subject to a successful medical examination and work permit, MARCA reports. Columbus announced the deal on July 2, making Méndez Real Sociedad's first departure among players still under contract but open to offers this summer.
After nearly a decade in Spain's top flight, the 29-year-old brings Champions League and Copa del Rey experience to Ohio. He has four senior caps for Spain and scored the winner on his international debut in 2018.