Report says this player is a Columbus Crew target | OneFootball

The talk among Columbus Crew fans and media began almost immediately after the news broke. Who will the club find to replace Cucho? After two weeks of waiting, a name has finally surfaced.

Late last week, Wilson Pimentel of RTI Esporte reported the Crew has identified Flaco Lopez, a forward from Brazilan power Palmeiras, as a target. The key word here is target. The report doesn’t say talks are under way, only that Lopez is being watched by Crew GM Issa Tall. The report also says the 24-year-old native of Argentina has been on the Crew’s radar for some time.

Lopez has a release clause of around $104 million, but Palmeiras seems to be willing to part ways with him for far less (around $21 million) because he is no longer a key player for the club. If the Crew does enter into negotiations, this will not be a loan-to-buy deal. Palmeiras is looking to sell Lopez outright.

Lopez is currently in his fourth season with Palmeiras. He’s made 108 appearances across all competitions in his time with the Big Green and has 30 goals. Those totals include two goals in five games so far in 2025.

At 6’3”, Lopez would give the Crew a big-body presence they’ve been lacking up front. If he can adapt to head coach Wilfried Nancy’s high-octane style of play, Lopez looks to be a good fit for the Crew on the surface. Nancy is very good at developing players and getting the most out of them. Lopez seems to be the perfect fit for this. If the Crew does bring him in, I don’t doubt Lopez will become one of the more dangerous offensive players in MLS after Nancy works his magic on him.

With both Cucho and Christian Ramirez gone, the Crew has a large goal-scoring hole. Besides Diego Rossi, who is going to put the ball into the net? If it is going to be Lopez, I think it will happen later rather than sooner. Black and Gold fans may have to be patient and wait for the summer transfer window for this deal to happen, if it happens at all.

What is looking to be a VERY frigid season-opening match is less than a week away. The Crew is going to have to roll with whoever is on the current roster and make the best of it until reinforcements arrive. Like all Crew fans, I want to see the club add players. BUT, I want guys who fit Nancy’s system. If more observation of Lopez is needed, I’m all for being patient.