Columbus Crew acquire veteran defender Rudy Camacho from CF Montreal via trade
The Crew are adding another veteran defender to their back line.
In a trade with CF Montreal, the Crew are acquiring center back Rudy Camacho, a five-year MLS veteran, for $400,000 in general allocation money. The 32-year-old Camacho has played in 128 games, including 126 starts since the 2018 season, and was named Montreal’s defensive player of the year in 2021.
He is the second central defender to join Columbus during the summer transfer window, along with left-footed Ukrainian center back Yevhen Cheberko, further addressing what had become a position of need. Cheberko made his club debut in a 2-1 Leagues Cup win against St. Louis City SC on July 24.
The move also reunited Camacho with coach Wilfried Nancy, who was Montreal’s head coach for two years before joining the Crew for the 2023 season.
The Crew will send Montreal $200,000 in general allocation money in both 2023 and 2024. Camacho will occupy an international roster spot.
“Rudy’s skillset and leadership provide a solid veteran presence to our backline, especially given his familiarity with coach Nancy and our team’s desired style of play,” president and general manager Tim Bezbatchenko said in a statement. “A high-caliber player and consistent starter for Montreal in recent years, he is another strong addition to our club as we continue to improve the roster during the summer window.”
Camacho is a native of France who enjoyed an 11-year professional career before joining MLS in 2018. He signed a two-year contract with Montreal in 2022.
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Crew acquire CF Montreal defender Rudy Camacho in trade
