COLUMBUS – The Columbus Crew announced today that forward Jacen Russell-Rowe has completed his move to Ligue 1 side FC Toulouse for $2.5m + add ons + sell-on clause. The move comes before the Columbus Crew are set to be back in Florida for the last leg of their preseason camp before starting the 2026 MLS campaign against the Portland Timbers.

Russell-Rowe, 23, tallied 7G, 2A in just 31 matches played (19 starts) in 2025.

The Canadian international signed with Columbus Crew 2 of MLS Next Pro in 2022, appearing 19 times for the Capybaras, tallying 21 goals, which made the league-best. He was also named Next Pro Player of the Month for May and June of 2022, helping Crew 2 then lift the inaugural MLS Next Pro Cup where he was named MLS Next Pro MVP and captured the MLS Next Pro golden boot.

In 2023, Russell-Rowe appeared in 21 matches (4 starts) for the Black & Gold recording four goals and three assists.

He made his MLS Playoffs debut in the opening best-of-three series against Atlanta United, entering off of the bench in game 2. He made his MLS season debut against the Philadelphia Union on February 25. Russell-Rowe earned his first start for the Crew vs Atlanta United, while scoring his first MLS goal and tallying his first MLS assist in the 6-1 win over the Five Stripes.

He was then named to Canada’s final 23-man roster for the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup, making his senior national team debut, coming off the bench in Canada’s 4-2 win over Cuba. Russell-Rowe appeared in two more matches during the tournament. He would then appear two times for the Black & Gold, and capture his first MLS Cup.

In 2024, Russell-Rowe recorded five goals and one assist, all while helping the Crew book their ticket to the Concacaf Champions Cup final, scoring the game-winning goal against CF Monterrey in the semi-finals.

“We are excited fro Jacen as he embarks on this next chapter, and we wish him the best moving forward,” General Manager Issa Tall said in a statement.

“While this transfer is a testament to Jace’s progress and performance over the years, it also highlights the environment that we have created in Columbus that caters for individual development and creates a pathway for players.”

Columbus Crew acquire Jamal Thiaré

In addition to the Crew transferring Russell-Rowe, the Black & Gold have also acquired Forward Jamal Thiaré from Atlanta United in exchange for $200,000 in 2026 General Allocation Money and up to $100,000 in conditional 2027 GAM.

“Jamal is an experienced striker who brings a different profile to our squad,” said Tall.

“He is another asset that will elevate our team as we push towards the start of the season, and we look forward to welcoming Jamal to Columbus.”

Thiaré joined the Five Stripes in August of 2023, scoring 11 goals in just 2,188 minutes across 57 MLS regular season appearances. Thiaré also tallied two goals in eight postseason games for Atlanta United from 2023-25.