Crew sign D Mohamed Farsi to multi-year extension

Defender Mohamed Farsi signed a multi-year contract extension with the Columbus Crew, the team announced on Wednesday.

The contract keeps Farsi, 24, with the Black and Gold through the 2027 season with a club option for 2028. Financial details were not disclosed.

"Mo's competitive nature and resilient spirit have been on display every day since he joined the team, and he has earned this new contract with the work he puts forth in games and during training," said Tim Bezbatchenko, the club president and general manager, in a statement. "It was a priority for us to secure his long-term future with the Club as part of our growing core group of younger players, and we are pleased that Mo will continue with us and develop as a member of the Crew for years to come."

In 2023, Farsi tallied five assists in 31 regular-season matches (23 starts). He made five appearances (four starts) in the postseason as the Crew won the MLS Cup, their third in team history.

In the 2022 inaugural season of MLS Next Pro -- the reserve league of Major League Soccer -- Farsi helped the Crew to the championship while earning 2022 MLS NEXT Best XI honors.

Columbus will open the 2024 MLS season hosting Atlanta United on Saturday.