Columbus Crew sign Colombian defender Jimmy Medranda via free agency | OneFootball

The Columbus Crew have bolstered their defensive options with the signing of Jimmy Medranda via free agency.

Medranda arrives at Lower.com Field having already spent a decade in Major League Soccer, playing over 160 games during combined spells with Nashville SC, Sporting Kansas City and, most recently, the Seattle Sounders.

The 28-year-old left-back has signed a one-year deal with the Crew through the 2023 MLS season, with the club holding an option for 2024.

“Jimmy is a proven winner, and we are proud to have a player with his MLS experience choose to sign with the Crew,” Crew president and general manager Tim Bezbatchenko said in a club press release.

“Bringing a decade of MLS experience with him to Columbus, Jimmy’s addition to our roster will help provide depth and create competition on our backline, and we look forward to having him as part of our team.”

Medranda fills a position of need for Columbus following the departure of Pedro Santos, who signed for DC United via free agency earlier this winter. The Colombian defender joins Will Sands on the club's left-back depth chart.

The Crew are aiming to return to the MLS Cup Playoffs in their first season under new head coach Wilfried Nancy after finishing eighth in the Eastern Conference in 2022.