The Columbus Crew announced on Monday that 23-year-old French midfielder Hugo Picard has departed the Black & Gold on a loan deal to Ligue 1 side ES Troyes AC. The loan will keep Picard with the French side through the MLS sprint season, with ES Troyes retaining a buy option upon its conclusion.

Picard began his career with local club Lorgeron-Torfou before being scouted by FC Nantes at the U-11 age group. After being released by Nantes, he moved to Guingamp’s academy in 2019. He scored one goal in 15 matches for Guingamp’s reserve team before breaking into the first team. He made his professional debut as a late substitute in a 4-0 Ligue 2 loss to Annecy on October 8, 2022, then signed his first professional contract with the club in January 2023, running through June 2026. His first senior goal came on March 4, 2023, against Paris FC.

Across parts of four seasons in Ligue 2 with Guingamp’s first team, Picard made just under 100 appearances, scoring eight goals and adding 11 assists.

Picard joined the Crew in July 2025 from Ligue 2 side En Avant Guingamp as a U22 Initiative signing during Wilfried Nancy’s tenure as head coach. Picard made 11 appearances under Nancy in the 2025 season.

Under Henrik Rydström in 2026, Picard found his footing and appeared more regularly. He scored twice in each of Columbus’ first two Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup fixtures. His four total goals in the competition rank him as the Crew’s third all-time leading goalscorer in the historic competition behind Brian McBride (8), Jeff Cunningham (6) and tied with Edson Buddle (4) and Steven Lenhart (4). In all competitions this season, Picard has scored six goals and assisted twice across 22 matches.

With his playing time becoming increasingly sparse under current head coach Laurent Courtois after the additions of several more veteran attackers this offseason, the move will provide an opportunity for Picard to receive valuable minutes and return to his native France. His departure opens a U22 initiative slot and an international roster spot for the Black & Gold.

The MLS Secondary transfer window remains open until Wednesday, Sept. 2.