To be clear, Columbus did not sign Santi Rodriguez for free. Fee in region of $6 million, per sources. But the fee was Via @tombogert on X

What happened: Columbus Crew paid a fee in the region of $6 million, with outstanding debts preventing the payment from reaching the selling club.

Why it matters: The arrangement clarifies that the acquisition involved a transfer fee rather than a free move.

What to watch: Attention now turns to the resolution of the outstanding debts.

Sources