Columbus Crew target Milos Degenek is hoping to use his move to the United States as a career boost ahead of the World Cup.
The Australian international centre-back recently became a free agent after his contract with Serbian side Red Star Belgrade expired.
During his time at Rajko Mitić Stadium, Degenek won three league titles and a Serbian Cup and gained extensive experience playing in the Champions League and Europa League.
Reports last week suggested Degenek – capped 33 times for his country at senior level – was on his way to Ohio to join the crew for the 2022 MLS season, with his transfer announcement expected in the coming days. .
For Degenek, it’s a decision made with the World Cup in mind later this year. The Socceroos are currently third in their qualifying group, just enough to send them into the playoffs with the top two advancing automatically.
“Because the World Cup is happening this year, I want to give myself the best possible chance to stay fit, and obviously extend my career as well,” he said. “To go somewhere where it’s a healthy and fit environment.
“Where I have the best support around me to give me the best possible chance of going to the World Cup and the best possible chance of playing well for our country. It probably helped me a little to decide where I’m going to play in the future. »
Degenek’s arrival in Columbus would be welcomed by a crew squad that struggled for defensive consistency in 2021, missing out on the MLS Cup playoffs despite their status as defending champions.
The 6’1 defender would join Jonathan Mensah, Josh Williams and recently signed Jalil Anibaba among Caleb Porter’s centre-back options.
The Crew opens its 2022 season at home against the Vancouver Whitecaps on February 26.
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