Overview
- Multiple outlets report Columbus has agreed a one-year loan from São Paulo for Gonzalo Tapia that runs through the 2027 MLS Sprint Season.
- Sources say Tapia will not occupy a Designated Player slot, which preserves the Crew's ability to manage salary-cap and roster spending.
- The signing addresses the team's urgent striker need after Wessam Abou Ali suffered a season-ending ACL injury and Diego Rossi moved to CF Monterrey.
- Tapia, 24, came through Universidad Católica's academy, made his Chile senior debut in 2024, and has played for River Plate and São Paulo in recent seasons.
- Columbus sees Tapia as an immediate attacking option and the loan joins other recent additions such as Brais Méndez, Eric Bailly, and Lautauro Giaccone pending an official club announcement.