COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The Columbus Crew have acquired a new midfielder in free agency who returns to play for the Black & Gold’s head coach.

The club announced they have added Lassi Lappalainen for the 2025 season with a club option for 2026. The 26-year-old from Finland spent six seasons at CF Montreal, three on loan from 2019-2021 and the last three seasons as a permanent signing.

Current Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy managed Lappalaninen in 2021 and 2022 in Montreal. His best campaign in MLS came in 2022 under Nancy where he had three goals and seven assists.

During his time in Quebec, the Finnish midfielder played 99 games and scored 15 goals while providing the same amount of assists. Lappalainen primarily plays as an attacking winger and moved to MLS after successful seasons in the Finnish league.

Despite being signed by Italian club Bologna, Lappalaninen never appeared for the Serie A side who sent him on loan to Montreal. He has featured for the Finland men’s national team with nine caps under his belt.

The Black & Gold begin the 2025 MLS season on Feb. 22 when they host the Chicago Fire at 7:30 p.m. from Lower.com Field. Columbus will also play in the CONCACAF Champions Cup again, a tournament they finished as runners-up in last season. The Crew will play on the road at Los Angeles FC or the Colorado Rapids in the first leg of the Champions Cup round of 16 on Mar. 4.