Crew Bring In MLS Legend On Free Transfer

The Columbus Crew have signed experienced striker Joséf Martínez on a free transfer, bolstering their attacking options after a turbulent summer window that saw the departure of key forwards Diego Rossi and Max Arfsten.

Martínez has signed a deal through to the end of the 2026 MLS campaign, with a club option to extend for the 2027 MLS Sprint Season. The 33-year-old brings a wealth of experience to the Crew, having scored 130 MLS goals in 214 appearances across spells with Atlanta United, Inter Miami, CF Montréal, and the San Jose Earthquakes.

He has scored the sixth-most goals in MLS history, while his seven hat-tricks in the competition are the most by any player.

A Much-Needed Signing for Columbus

It is a timely addition for the Crew, who have seen Rossi join Monterrey and Arfsten move to Middlesbrough this summer. Columbus currently sit 11th in MLS, five points behind seventh-place Charlotte FC in the Eastern Conference.

Martínez could make his Columbus debut when they face Charlotte FC on Saturday.

"Josef brings a level of experience, proven production and competitive mentality that can make a real difference for our group," said Crew general manager Issa Tall. "He adds another dynamic element to our attack, while also bringing leadership and valuable experience to our roster, especially given his familiarity with our team's style of play and the league."

Poor MLS Form, But Leagues Cup Progress

Despite the Crew's poor MLS form, they have reached the quarter-finals of the Leagues Cup. Columbus twice overcame a deficit in a 2–2 draw at Inter Miami to begin the month, and the Crew have taken four points (W1 D1) from their last two MLS matches despite conceding first in each one.

Prior to their recent run, Columbus had earned just one point when allowing the first goal this season (D1 L4).

Players to Watch: Charlotte vs. Columbus

Charlotte FC's Pep Biel scored Charlotte's goal against Chicago last time out; he has now directly contributed to 16 (nine goals, seven assists) of Charlotte's 29 regular-season goals in 2026 (55.2%). Those 16 goal contributions are tied for third-most in a single MLS season by a Charlotte player, behind Biel's 22 in 2025 and Wilfried Zaha's 20, also last season.

Columbus's Brais Méndez, making his MLS debut against Inter Miami in a 2–2 draw last time out, scored the equaliser in the 84th minute. That was the latest result-changing goal by a Crew player since May 2025 against the Philadelphia Union.

Match Prediction: Charlotte Favored at Home

Charlotte have won three straight home meetings with Columbus, including a 3–2 victory when the teams met last season. That is Charlotte's third-longest home winning streak against a single opponent, behind four-game runs against Toronto FC and New York City FC.

Dean Smith's side have also scored multiple goals in six of their 10 regular-season home matches in 2026. Since the start of 2025, they have tallied two or more goals in 18 regular-season matches at home, with only Miami (20) having more such games among MLS teams.

Opta Win Probability: Charlotte FC – 40.6% | Draw – 26.6% | Columbus Crew – 32.7%

Charlotte, who lost their last MLS match 2–1 against the Chicago Fire, saw their Leagues Cup hopes dashed after a 1–0 defeat to Pachuca.