Columbus Crew acquires ex-Barcelona star André Gomes before MLS opener

29 caps for Portugal 

The Columbus Crew have announced the signing of former Everton and Barcelona midfielder André Gomes. The 32-year-old had been a free agent since leaving Ligue 1 side LOSC Lille after he made just one appearance in the 2025/26 season for the French side. Gomes joins the Crew until June 2027, with the club retaining an option to extend his contract for the 2027/28 MLS season.

He will occupy an international roster spot pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa, and becomes the franchise’s seventh signing of the transfer window following a total expenditure of €12 million on Wessam Abou Ali, Nariman Akhundzada, Hugo Picard, Sekou Bangoura, Jamal Thiaré and Zach Zengue. Gomes has a market value of €4.5 million.

“André is a player who possesses exceptional tactical and technical abilities, displayed at the highest level of European football,” Crew general manager Issa Tall said. “André’s experience, leadership, and professionalism will strengthen our midfield and will have an impact across our roster.”

Gomes brings a wealth of experience from his time in Europe that has seen him make over 335 club appearances. He spent the best years of his career in the Premier League with Everton, where he made 114 appearances and scored four times in as many seasons on Merseyside. The central midfielder also has won 29 caps for Portugal, although he is not expected to represent the Seleção at the FIFA World Cup.

Gomes will link up with his new Columbus teammates in the coming days, with the team now led by new head coach Henrik Rydström following Wilfried Nancy’s departure late last year. The Crew open their 2026 MLS campaign on February 21 with a game on the road against Portland Timbers.