The MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew signed goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen and midfielder Derrick Jones on Thursday.
Hagen, a 27-year-old Guatemala international, inked a contract through 2024 with option years through 2026.
“Nicholas has solid experience from his time abroad and with the Guatemalan National Team that provides additional depth to our already strong group of goalkeepers,” Crew president and general manager Tim Bezbatchenko said. “We have a significantly higher number of games next year across multiple competitions, and it’s important that we continue to add depth and competition to our roster.”
Hagen spent the 2023 season with Bnei Sakhnin FC of the Israeli Premier League.
He previously played for Norway’s HamKam (2021-23), Azerbaijan’s Sabail (2020-21) and Guatemala’s Municipal (2016-20). Internationally, he has earned 34 caps for Guatemala.
Jones, 26, signed a two-year deal that also includes an option for 2026.
Born in Ghana, Jones has played in 108 regular season matches, recording a goal and three assists over eight MLS seasons. He was traded to Charlotte FC in March 2022 after MLS stints with the Philadelphia Union and the Houston Dynamo.
“Derrick is a versatile player and a true competitor,” Bezbatchenko said. “He adds significant experience and depth to our roster, which will be critical as we have an increased number of matches following our MLS Cup championship season, including Concacaf Champions Cup.”
–Field Level Media
