Columbus Crew SC today announced that it has signed midfielder Emil Larsen (pronounced: E-meal). A wide attacking midfielder and a native of Denmark, Larsen joins Crew SC after several seasons with Danish Superliga club Odense Boldklub. Overall, the midfielder has played over five years in the Danish topflight and brings senior international experience with the Denmark National Team. Per club and MLS policy, additional details of the deal were not disclosed. Larsen will officially be added to the Black & Gold's active roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa.
“Emil is a young, dynamic midfielder with a bright future and he comes to this club with valuable experience in the Danish Superliga and with his national team. He’s a player that we feel will fit in well in our system and will provide our attack with an added dimension,” said Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter. “We have a solid corps of midfielders and Emil is an important addition to that group.”
Larsen played the previous three-and-a-half seasons with OB after joining the club ahead of the 2012-13 season. With the Odense-based club, the midfielder totaled 17 goals and 13 assists in 114 appearances across the league and the Danish Cup.
HEAR FROM NEWLY SIGNED MIDFIELDER EMIL LARSEN: http://bit.ly/1SBnxEq
Prior to joining OB, Larsen began his professional career with Lyngby Boldklub. During his debut season, as an 18-year-old in the second-tier Danish 1st Division, he registered 11 goals and five assists, helping Lyngby earn promotion to the topflight Danish Superliga.
Pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa, Larsen is scheduled to join the club in preseason camp.
Larsen scored in his first career professional game with Lyngby, on August 9, 2009 against FC Fredericia. He played an additional two seasons with Lyngby in the topflight, totaling 14 goals and five assists before moving to OB ahead of the 2012-13 campaign.
A Danish international, Larsen has earned seven caps for his country, with his debut coming on November 14, 2012 against Turkey. He has made two appearances in FIFA World Cup qualification contests, both in 2013, including a two-assist performance against Malta on October 15, 2013. Prior to his time with the senior National Team, Larsen appeared in multiple matches across the Danish youth setup, including at the Under-21, U-19, U-18, U-17 and U-16 levels. He scored eight total goals at the youth level.
The Black & Gold begin their preseason with entrance physicals and testing today, Friday, January 22 before heading to Lakewood Ranch, Florida for their first camp from January 23 - February 5. After that camp, Crew SC trains at SuperKick from February 8-12 before departing to participate in the Desert Diamond Cup from February 15-27. The Black & Gold begin their 21st season on Sunday, March 6 at Portland and return home for the Opening Match at MAPFRE Stadium on Saturday, March 12 against Philadelphia. Information on Crew SC Season Ticket Memberships in 2016 can be found at http://bit.ly/2016CrewSCSTM.
TRANSACTION: Crew SC signs midfielder Emil Larsen on January 22, 2016. He will be added to the Black & Gold roster following receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa.
Name: Emil Larsen (pronounced E-meal)
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 172
Born: June 22, 1991 in Lyngby, Denmark
Hometown: Lyngby, Denmark
Citizenship: Denmark
Acquired: Signed by Crew SC on January 22, 2016. He will be added to the Black & Gold roster following receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa.
Previous Experience: Odense Boldklub (2012-2015), Lyngby BK (2007-2012)
