TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS:Signed
The Columbus Crew have added yet another free agent to bolster their squad, this time signing defender Marlon Hairston.
Hairston was last with Minnesota United, with his year-long spell ending when his contract expired at the end of the 2020 season. In his lone season with the Loons, he played 10 matches, four of which were starts. Overall, he has 116 MLS appearances and has also played for the Houston Dynamo and the Colorado Rapids.
"Marlon is a dynamic and versatile player who brings veteran Major League Soccer and Concacaf Champions League experience," Crew president and general manager Tim Bezbatchenko said in a club statement. "We believe that Marlon’s abilities will help strengthen our roster and provide us with another strong defensive option, which will be needed in a highly congested season due to multiple club competitions and players lost due to international matches."
Hairston is the third free agent the Crew have added to their roster this offseason following the acquisitions of Bradley Wright-Phillips and Kevin Molino.
The added depth will help the Crew as the team faces a bigger schedule than usual in 2021. As a reward for lifting MLS Cup last year, the team will play in the Concacaf Champions League for the first time since the 2010-2011 season. The Crew are currently in California preparing for their first Champions League match on April 8 at Real Esteli in Nicaragua.
