Columbus Crew Sell Young Forward to French Club

Crew finalize deal to transfer Canadian international Jacen Russell-Rowe to Toulouse FC

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:31pm

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The Columbus Crew are finalizing a deal to sell one of their top young forwards, Canadian international Jacen Russell-Rowe, to French Ligue 1 club Toulouse FC. The reported transfer fee is around $2.5 million plus add-ons. Russell-Rowe, 23, has been with the Crew since 2022 and recorded 10 goals and 3 assists in 39 matches across all competitions last season.

Why it matters

The sale of Russell-Rowe represents a significant move for the Crew, who are looking to generate transfer revenue and reinvest in the squad ahead of the 2026 MLS season. The deal also highlights the growing interest from European clubs in young MLS talent, as the league continues to develop and export promising players.

The details

According to reports, the Crew are finalizing a deal to sell 23-year-old forward Jacen Russell-Rowe to French club Toulouse FC. Russell-Rowe has been with the Crew since 2022, first joining their MLS Next Pro team before breaking into the senior squad. In 2025, he recorded 10 goals and 3 assists in 39 matches across all competitions. The transfer fee is said to be around $2.5 million plus add-ons, providing the Crew with a significant influx of funds to reinvest in the team.

  • Russell-Rowe has been with the Columbus Crew since 2022.
  • In 2025, Russell-Rowe recorded 10 goals and 3 assists in 39 matches across all competitions for the Crew.
  • The Crew are finalizing the deal to sell Russell-Rowe to Toulouse FC in January 2026.

The players

Jacen Russell-Rowe

A 23-year-old Canadian international forward who has been with the Columbus Crew since 2022, recording 10 goals and 3 assists in 39 matches across all competitions in 2025.

Toulouse FC

A French Ligue 1 club that is set to acquire Jacen Russell-Rowe from the Columbus Crew in a reported $2.5 million transfer deal plus add-ons.

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What they’re saying

“The Columbus Crew are finalizing a sale of Canadian international Jacen Russell-Rowe to Toulouse FC, which plays in Ligue 1 in France. The deal according to Bogert will bring the Crew about $2.5 million along with add-ons.”

— Tom Bogert, Reporter (The Athletic)

What’s next

The transfer deal is expected to be finalized in the coming days, with Russell-Rowe set to join Toulouse FC ahead of the start of the 2026 Ligue 1 season.

The takeaway

The sale of Jacen Russell-Rowe to Toulouse FC demonstrates the growing appeal of young MLS talent to European clubs, as well as the Crew's ability to develop and profit from their academy prospects. This deal will provide the Crew with valuable funds to reinvest in their squad and continue building towards future success.