Brais Méndez Transfers from Real Sociedad to Columbus Crew in MLS
Real Sociedad midfielder Brais Méndez, 27, has been sold to MLS club Columbus Crew for €6 million, ending his four-year stint in San Sebastián. Once a key player under coach Imanol Alguacil, Méndez helped secure Champions League qualification and won the 2025-26 Copa del Rey. His role diminished under subsequent coaches, leading to his departure. The transfer is pending a medical and work permit, and Méndez signed a designated player contract through 2028-29 with Columbus, which currently sits 10th in the Eastern Conference.
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Brais Méndez says goodbye to former Real Sociedad teammates at Zubieta
On July 4, 2026, Brais Méndez, a Galician midfielder who had been with Real Sociedad for four seasons, made a surprise visit to the club's Zubieta training facilities on the first day of preseason. Although he was transferred to the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer (MLS) the previous Thursday, Méndez personally went to say goodbye to his former teammates and club staff. The emotional farewell highlighted his connection to the txuriurdin community. The news was reported by Marca, covering the event with photos showing him greeting players like Unai Marrero, along with club personnel Almandoz and Karrikaburu. The visit was one of the main talking points of Real Sociedad's preseason start.
LALIGA EA Sports // marcaBrais Méndez Bids Farewell to Real Sociedad Teammates After MLS Transfer
Brais Méndez, a Galician midfielder, surprised his former teammates by visiting Real Sociedad's Zubieta training facility on the first day of preseason to say goodbye. He was transferred last Thursday to Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer (MLS) after four seasons with the club. The article, published by Marca on July 4, 2026, notes his presence was unexpected but welcomed by players and staff, including Unai Marrero, Almandoz, and Karrikaburu. The report includes links to World Cup and league content but focuses on Méndez's emotional departure.
LALIGA EA Sports // marcaBrais Méndez Bids Farewell to Former Real Sociedad Teammates at Zubieta
Galician midfielder Brais Méndez, recently transferred to MLS side Columbus Crew, made a poignant return to Real Sociedad's Zubieta training facility on the first day of preseason to personally say goodbye to his teammates and club staff. Méndez spent the last four seasons with the txuriurdin, and his presence was a highlight of the day. He was seen bidding farewell to goalkeeper Unai Marrero, with club officials Almandoz and Karrikaburu also present. The transfer was finalized last Thursday, marking the end of Méndez's tenure in Spain's LaLiga as he embarks on a new chapter in Major League Soccer.
LALIGA EA Sports // marcaBrais Méndez Departs Real Sociedad for MLS: 'I Leave with a Title and Two Children from San Sebastián'
Brais Méndez has bid an emotional farewell to Real Sociedad following his transfer to Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer. In a heartfelt open letter published by MARCA, the Galician midfielder expressed gratitude for his four years at the club, highlighting the Copa del Rey title won in April 2026 and unforgettable Champions League nights as career highlights. Méndez stated that his two children, born in San Sebastián, ensure that Donosti will always feel like home. He thanked the club's workers, teammates, and fans for their support, emphasizing the personal and professional growth he experienced. The transfer marks the end of a successful period for Méndez at the Basque club, where he became a fan favorite.
LALIGA EA Sports // marcaBrais Méndez: 'I'm leaving with a title and two children from San Sebastián, Donosti means home'
Brais Méndez, a Galician midfielder, bids farewell to Real Sociedad after four years, following his transfer to Columbus in Major League Soccer (MLS). In a heartfelt letter, he expresses gratitude for winning the Copa del Rey title in April 2026 and for unforgettable Champions League nights. He highlights the warm welcome from the club and the city of San Sebastián (Donosti), where his two children were born, making the city feel like home. Méndez thanks the fans, club workers, and teammates for their support, emphasizing the strong bond formed during his tenure. The article, published by Marca on July 3, 2026, captures his emotional departure and the significance of his time at the club.
LALIGA EA Sports // marcaBrais Méndez leaves Real Sociedad for MLS, says Donosti means home after title and two children
Brais Méndez has bid an emotional farewell to Real Sociedad following his transfer to Columbus in Major League Soccer (MLS). In a letter published by Marca on July 3, 2026, the Galician midfielder expressed deep gratitude to the club, its workers, and teammates for four unforgettable years. He highlighted winning the Copa del Rey in April 2026 and experiencing magical Champions League nights as career highlights. On a personal level, Méndez noted that his two children were born in San Sebastián (Donosti), making the city feel like home. He thanked fans for their support and said he leaves with lasting memories and a sense of belonging. The transfer marks the end of a successful chapter in Spanish football for the player.
LALIGA EA Sports // marcaColumbus Crew sign Spanish midfielder Brais Mendez from Real Sociedad as designated player
The Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer have acquired Spanish midfielder Brais Mendez from La Liga side Real Sociedad on a designated player contract. Mendez, 29, will occupy an international roster slot and is signed through the 2028-29 season with a club option for 2029-30. Crew general manager Issa Tall praised Mendez's technical skill and experience from one of the world's top leagues. Mendez brings a significant pedigree, having scored 33 goals and provided 24 assists in 166 appearances for Real Sociedad, including helping the club qualify for the UEFA Champions League and win the 2025-26 Copa del Rey. He previously contributed 22 goals and 18 assists in 166 matches for boyhood club Celta Vigo. Columbus, currently in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, resumes its season at home against New York City FC on July 22.
Yardbarker: SoccerOfficial: Real Sociedad Transfers Brais Méndez to MLS Columbus Crew
Real Sociedad has officially announced the transfer of midfielder Brais Méndez to MLS side Columbus Crew Soccer Club. The 28-year-old Galician player, whose contract ran until 2028, will leave for a fee of €6 million. Méndez joined Real Sociedad in summer 2022 and made 166 official appearances, scoring 33 goals over four seasons. He was a key contributor to the club's recent successes, including Champions League campaigns. The Spanish club noted his declining role last season, and previous interest from Saudi Arabia and Celta Vigo did not materialize. The transfer is subject to a medical and work permit. Real Sociedad begins preseason under coach Pellegrino Matarazzo and may seek a replacement from within or the transfer market.
Fútbol en AS.comBrais Méndez Sold to Columbus Crew in MLS Transfer
Real Sociedad has transferred midfielder Brais Méndez to Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer for six million euros, as reported by MARCA. The Galician player, who joined Real Sociedad four years ago from Celta de Vigo for 14 million euros, was a key contributor under former coach Imanol Alguacil, helping the team qualify for the Champions League and scoring against Inter Milan and Benfica in the competition. However, his role diminished under coaches Sergio Francisco and Pellegrino Matarazzo, culminating in his exclusion from the Copa del Rey final. Despite interest from Celta, the deal was finalized with Columbus. Méndez, an NBA fan who wears number 23 after LeBron James, will now have the opportunity to watch nearby NBA teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers. The transfer is subject to a medical examination and work permit.
LALIGA EA Sports // marcaBrais Méndez Sold to Columbus Crew of MLS for €6 Million
Real Sociedad has transferred midfielder Brais Méndez to Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer (MLS) for €6 million. Méndez, 27, arrived from Celta Vigo four years ago for €14 million and was initially a key player under Imanol Alguacil, helping secure Champions League qualification. He scored 11 goals in his first season and found the net against Inter Milan and Benfica in Europe. However, his role diminished under coaches Sergio Francisco and Pellegrino Matarazzo, and he was not used in the Copa del Rey final. His departure was anticipated, with Anoeta seeking around €7 million. Despite speculation about a return to Celta, the deal was finalized with Columbus, pending a medical and work permit. He leaves with 166 appearances for the club.
LALIGA EA Sports // marcaBrais Méndez Transferred from Real Sociedad to Columbus Crew for Six Million Euros
Real Sociedad has sold Galician midfielder Brais Méndez to Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer (MLS) for six million euros, as reported by MARCA. Méndez, 29, joined Real Sociedad four years ago from Celta de Vigo for 14 million euros and was a key player under former coach Imanol Alguacil, contributing to Champions League qualification and scoring against Inter Milan and Benfica. However, his role diminished under coaches Sergio Francisco and Pellegrino Matarazzo, culminating in his exclusion from the Copa del Rey final. The transfer ends his 166-match tenure with the club, during which he scored 11 goals in his best season. The deal is pending a medical examination and work permit. A potential return to Celta was considered but ultimately Columbus Crew secured the transfer.
LALIGA EA Sports // marca