Crew SC takes full advantage of transfer window

Just before the MLS summer trade and transfer window closed today, Crew SC made one more strategic move to add depth to its roster with the Discovery Signing of Argentine defender Gaston Sauro from FC Basel. The centerback is one of four players who joined the Black & Gold over the summer. Here's a quick overview of Crew SC's summer additions:

Cedrick Mabwati

Crew SC acquired Cedrick Mabwati via transfer from Real Betis in Spain back in January. But the midfielder didn't make his way to Columbus until July after finishing his loan with Second Division side Osasuna. Mabwati brings blazing speed and an impressive one-v-one attacking ability to Columbus. He has made two appearances in midfield for Crew SC so far.

• More on Crew SC’s acquisition of Mabwati
• Mabwati arrives in Columbus
• Mabwati's first appearance for Columbus

Harrison Afful

Next, Crew SC bolstered its defense with the signing of Ghanaian international Harrison Afful. Since the departure of Hernan Grana in May, Crew SC Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter had been looking for a rightback who fits his team’s style of play. He found that player in Afful, a versatile, disciplined and intelligent defender with 2014 FIFA World Cup experience.

• Crew SC signs Afful
• Afful's first interview

Jack McInerney

Five days later, the Black & Gold made a trade with the Montreal Impact for young striker, Jack McInerney. In exchange for Crew SC’s natural 2016 MLS SuperDraft Second Round selection, McInerney arrived in Columbus the day before his 23^rd birthday. With 36 career goals to his name, only one other MLS player has scored more goals ahead of his 23rd birthday — former Columbus forward Stern John (44 goals).

• Crew SC’s acquisition of McInerney
• McInerney's thoughts on joining Crew SC
• Get to know Jack McInerney

Gaston Sauro

Crew SC added Argentine defender Gaston Sauro hours before the transfer deadline. The 25-year-old centerback brings a wealth of experience to Columbus. He has played in 110 professional matches, including in the UEFA Champions League for FC Basel. Sauro has also played for Argentina's Boca Juniors and Italy's Calcio Catania. He has helped his teams keep a combined 34 clean sheets.   

• Crew SC signs Gaston Sauro
• Berhalter on Sauro signing

For a full list of Crew SC transactions visit http://bit.ly/CrewSCTransactionTracker.