Overview
- Real Sociedad confirmed the transfer of midfielder Brais Méndez to MLS side Columbus Crew for a reported fee of €6 million.
- Méndez leaves after four seasons at Real Sociedad despite having a contract that ran until 2028 and issued an emotional farewell referencing his ties to Donostia.
- The club said the sale opens its summer 'operación salida' and that Méndez will not be present for the start of preseason at the Zubieta training ground.
- Columbus announced a multi-year deal that designates Méndez as a Designated Player and said he will occupy an international slot once his international transfer certificate and P-1 visa are cleared; the club expects him to join when the MLS secondary window opens.
- The move reflects MLS’s growing pull on European players and caps a period of reduced playing time for Méndez at Real Sociedad, a change that likely accelerates the club’s squad reshaping this summer.