Federico Higuain and Columbus Crew SC have reached a deal that will make the playmaker the highest-paid player in club history. Photo/Columbus crew (Nate Smallwood)
[dropcap]D[/dropcap]esignated Player Federico Higuain confirmed he’ll be suiting up in Black and Gold even longer into the foreseeable future with an extension announced by the club Monday.
The 30-year-old playmaking midfielder has notched 27 goals and 23 assists in his over two seasons with Columbus. His 88 chances created also ranked fourth in Major League Soccer in 2014.
“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,” said Crew SC Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter. “This new contract demonstrates both [Crew owner Anthony] Precourt’s vision to create an attractive, winning team and Federico’s commitment to play in Columbus for the foreseeable future.”
The Argentine’s new DP deal was also reported by the team to make him the highest-paid player in history by the club. Previously, Guillermo Barros Schelotto, who scored 33 goals in 102 appearances for Columbus and was named MLS MVP in 2008 when the team won the MLS Cup, was awarded the richest deal, reported to be worth $775,000. Per team and MLS terms, specifics of the deal were not disclosed, but salary specifics are typically made available mid-season by the MLS Players Union.
Columbus had already picked up a team option on Higuain for 2015. According to sources of The Columbus Dispatch, the extension is for two seasons.
Higuain, who helped the team to an MLS Playoff appearance in 2014, will continue to power a Crew SC attack that will be boosted by the addition of Kei Kamara, acquired in October thanks to the club’s top spot in the player allocation rankings. Columbus will open the 2015 season Mar. 7 at BBVA Compass Stadium against Houston, and play their home opener Mar. 14 against Toronto FC.
*First reported by our partners at Press Row Sports.
