Brotherly Game Daily Links: Another day, another record signing

MLS News

Columbus Crew pays team-record transfer fee for midfielder Lucas Zelarayan
The Crew has acquired Argentinian attacking midfielder Lucas Zelarayan from Mexican club Tigres UANL for a club-record transfer fee more than $7 million, multiple sources told The Dispatch. That is more than three times the previous club record.

Crew signs center back Vito Wormgoor
Wormgoor last played with SK Brann of Eliteserien, Norway’s top professional league. After joining Brann in 2017, Wormgoor made 82 appearances for the club, helping the team finish in third place in 2018.

Report: Houston Dynamo close to bringing back veteran defender Maynor Figueroa
Figueroa brings toughness, technique as a quality dribbler out of the back, and can transition from defense to offense quickly with accurate long passes. He also provides experience and leadership which should help new Head Coach Tab Ramos.

Orlando City Close to Acquisition of Brazilian Center Back Antônio Carlos
The Lions are looking to add the 26-year-old defender on a one-year loan deal with an option to buy.

Montreal Impact re-sign Samuel Piette to three-year deal
The Canadian international agreed to a three-year extension with an option for the 2023 season.

Sources: Chicago Fire to make ex-FC Basel exec Georg Heitz sporting director
Heitz, 50, was previously the sporting director of Swiss side FC Basel from 2009 to 2017, a period in which Basel won eight consecutive league titles as well as three Swiss Cups. Basel also reached the round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League in 2012 and 2015, and made it to the semifinals of the Europa League in 2013.