COLUMBUS – The Columbus Crew via trade, finalized before last night’s close of the primary transfer window, have acquired Defender Malte Amundsen (MEL-de AM-und-son) from New York City FC for $400,000 ($200,000 in 2023 and 2024) in General Allocation Money (GAM). NYCFC could receive up to an additional $100,000 in GAM if certain performance conditions are met. Amundsen will be added to the Crew roster through the 2024 season with a club option for 2025.
Additionally, the Crew announced that Homegrown Defender Will Sands will undergo ACL surgery on his left knee and will miss the remainder of the 2023 season.
Amundsen has appeared in 59 career MLS games (37 starts) after joining NYCFC following a transfer from Danish First Division’s Vejle Boldklub. He played in all four of NYCFC’s postseason contests (three starts) in 2021 to help The Pigeons claim their first MLS Cup.
“Malte is a young, experienced player who has already proven his potential overseas and in MLS, including quality performances in the playoffs,” said Crew President and General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “We are really familiar with his skillset and competitiveness from his time in the Eastern Conference, and we are confident he will be a strong fit within our system.
“It is disappointing to lose Will for the year as a club and especially for him personally, as he was truly coming into form on the pitch early in the season. He has always attacked his preparation with great drive and positive energy, and we know he will carry that same mindset into his recovery process.”
Sands has started all seven games played this year, logging 488 minutes and two assists, and has participated in 19 career games (12 career starts). Prior to the injury sustained at Charlotte FC on Saturday, he found Defender Mohamed Farsi on the opening goal of the Black & Gold’s 2-0 road win at D.C. United (April 8) and connected with Forward Max Arfsten on the final goal (’91) of the club’s 6-1 victory Atlanta United at Lower.com Field.
Transaction: Columbus Crew acquire Malte Amundsen from New York City FC for $400,000 ($200,000 in 2023 and 2024) in General Allocation Money (GAM). NYCFC could receive up to an additional $100,000 in GAM if certain performance conditions are met.
Name: Malte Amundsen (MEL-de AM-und-son)
Position: Defender
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 179 lbs.
Born: Feb. 11, 1998, in Næstved, Denmark
Hometown: Næstved, Denmark
Citizenship: Denmark
Acquired: Via trade from NYCFC on April 24, 2023.
Previous Experience: HB Køge (2015-18), Rosenborg (2018-19), Eintracht Braunschweig (2018-19), Vejle (2019-21), NYCFC (2021-23)
