By DAN KARELL
The Columbus Crew have ensured their their highest-paid and perhaps most important player will remain atop the club’s salary charts.
The club announced on Monday morning that they have re-signed Federico Higuain to a new Designated Player contract, one that the club termed the largest in team history. Per league and club policy, terms of the deal were not revealed.
The signing is the latest in a series of on- and off-field moves under Anthony Precourt, who purchased majority ownership in 2013, to refurbish one of the league’s most historic clubs.
“Federico has proven to be one of the top talents in Major League Soccer and a key contributor to the attacking, possession-based brand of soccer that we are trying to play at the club,” head coach and sporting director Gregg Berhalter said in a statement. “This new contract demonstrates both Mr. Precourt’s vision to create an attractive, winning team and Federico’s commitment to play in Columbus for the foreseeable future.”
Earlier this offseason, the Crew picked up the option on Higuain’s old contract, which paid him a base salary of $580,000 last season, to go with total compensation of $744,000.
The 30-year-old Argentine is coming off his second consecutive 11-goal season, and added seven assists in 2014 as well. Higuain played a large role in leading the Crew to the MLS Cup playoffs for the first time since 2011, but struggled in the playoffs due to nagging injuries that built up over the final stretch of the season.
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What do you think of this news? How important is Higuain to the Crew’s success? Do you see him improving on his 11-goal total next season?
Share your thoughts below.
I did not know he was only 30. I was wondering why he just got a raise. He’s been in the league, what three years now? In any case, he’s probably very humble person to want to go out all the way out his comfort zone and stick in Ohio.
I’m looking forward to seeing how he and Kei Kamara will combine up top.
My guess is awesome. Kei is such a handful to deal with. I bet he frees Higuain up to do his thing, which will bring other attackers into the mix. Berhalter loves to attack with fullbacks. Kei gives opposing fullbacks fits and pins them in their half, allowing fullbacks on his team to overlap with him. Could get nasty.
Yes, I hope they both stay healthy; that will be fun to watch!
It’s going to be a 4-pronged attack next year. Kai with Hiquain behind him, then Meram & Findlay charging in from the sides. Francis whipping balls in from the left, and Jimenez or (insert big signing here) charging up the right – the Crew are gathering some fire power here…
Good for Columbus. Hope the player has a healthy and productive 2015.
My guy. Now, let’s make sure he has some forwards to help him out.
If only he could get his brother to come play for MLS.
When you are a top 30 striker in the world you don’t play in MLS. When you are a top 50 striker in the world you don’t play in MLS…. maybe in 10 more years this will be different… maybe not.
I would say when Henry came to MLS he was still a top 30-50 striker in the world.
+1 Henry. Defoe probably belongs in that category too.
His brother’s at Napoli for the past 2 years, so he probably has another year or two to run on his contract. MLS should get him on a free if they can convince him not to renew his current contract. Gonazlo would be as good if not better than Robbie Keane.
Hope we get to see him someday in MLS!
Great news
Some come to sell shirts come come to play football.
If he’s not making as much as Defoe hes getting robbed.
Some come to sell shirts
Some come to play football
Some don’t show up at all
Love, Lamps
You win Sir.