American giants Columbus Crew have signed Ghanaian midfielder Derrick Jones to a contract through 2025 with an option for 2026.
During his eight years in MLS, the Ghanaian international has appeared in 108 regular season matches (64 starts), recording one goal and three assists.
“Derrick is a versatile player and a true competitor,” said Columbus Crew President and General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “He adds significant experience and depth to our roster, which will be critical as we have an increased number of matches following our MLS Cup championship season, including Concacaf Champions Cup.”
Born in Bantama, Ghana, Jones on Dec. 3, 2015 became the first signing in the history of the United Soccer League’s Bethlehem Steel and scored five goals in 26 appearances with the club. On Jul. 27, 2016, he signed with the Philadelphia Union as a Homegrown player and contributed in 26 regular season matches from 2017-2019.
In 2019, Jones was traded to Nashville SC. He played in 18 regular season matches (nine starts) and three postseason matches in 2020. He was acquired by Houston Dynamo FC in 2021, when he logged 20 regular season appearances and one assist.
Jones joined Charlotte FC via trade in March 2022 and appeared in 44 regular season matches (30 starts) through 2023. He posted one goal in MLS play and added a long-range strike against South Georgia Tormenta FC in the Third Round of the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
At the international level, Jones is a former U.S. youth international and played in four matches during the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup as the U.S. advanced to the quarterfinals of the tournament. The midfielder also contributed in two matches for the U.S. U23 National Team in 2019.
