TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing
Columbus Crew SC have signed Romanian midfielder Alexandru Matan from FC Viitorul Constanta of Romanian’s First Division, the club announced Monday.
The 21-year-old has made 56 appearances in Romania’s Liga 1 and helped Viitorul Constanta win the 2018-2019 Cupa Romaniei – Romania’s domestic cup.
“Alex is a promising young player whose technical ability, dribbling skills and ability to play on both sides of the ball make him a good fit for our style of play,” Crew SC president and general manager Tim Bezbatchenko said in a statement. “As someone who is a creative player capable of playing wide or centrally, he gives us another dynamic attacking option which will be critical with a busy schedule across Champions League and MLS action in the coming months. We are excited to welcome him and look forward to incorporating him into our group.”
A product of the Gheorghe Hagi Academy, Matan played for Viitorul Constanta from 2016-2021. In all, he made 66 appearances (45 starts) while registering five goals and 12 assists across all competitions, including playing in six UEFA Europa League Qualifiers. He also had a goal and two assists in the 2018-2019 Cupa Romaniei.
Matan spent part of the 2019-20 season on loan with FC Voluntari – also of Romania’s First Division – where he made 26 appearances (21 starts) while netting one goal and notching two assists across all competitions.
Internationally, Matan has earned 17 caps and scored 10 goals for Romania's youth teams across the Under-17, U-18, U-19 and U-21 levels.
