Lassi Lappalainen Joins Columbus Crew

The Columbus Crew have bolstered their roster with the signing of Finnish international winger Lassi Lappalainen. The 26-year-old has agreed to a contract through the 2025 MLS season, with an option to extend through 2026, as announced by the club on Wednesday.

Lappalainen arrives as a free agent following a six-season stint with CF Montréal, where he tallied an impressive 15 goals and 15 assists in 99 regular-season appearances. His versatility and proven track record in Major League Soccer make him a significant asset for the Crew.

Reuniting with a Familiar Leader

At Columbus, Lappalainen will reunite with head coach Wilfried Nancy, under whose guidance CF Montréal achieved a club-record 65 points during the 2022 season. Nancy, now at the helm of the Crew, will look to leverage Lappalainen’s familiarity with his tactical system to further strengthen the team.

“Lassi’s ability to play multiple positions makes him a valuable addition to our group,” said general manager Issa Tall. “He brings with him a wealth of experience and familiarity with the demands of our style of play, and we look forward to integrating him into our squad when preseason gets underway next week.”

Building Momentum for the Season Ahead

The Columbus Crew are gearing up for a pivotal 2025 campaign. Fresh off their triumph as Leagues Cup champions, the team is set to kick off their season on February 22 at home against Chicago Fire FC (7:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass). The Crew will also compete in the Concacaf Champions Cup starting in early March, with Lappalainen’s signing adding depth and quality to their roster.

A Strategic Signing

Lappalainen’s addition underscores Columbus’ commitment to enhancing their squad for both domestic and international competitions. With his ability to adapt to multiple roles on the field, the Finnish winger is poised to make a substantial impact as the Crew aim for continued success under Nancy’s leadership.