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Columbus signs Nicolai Naess from Stabaek

Stabaek

The Columbus Crew have added some defensive impetus to a struggling side, signing Norwegian defender Nicolai Naess from Stabaek on Wednesday.

Second from the bottom in the Eastern Conference after last year's finals defeat to Portland, Columbus announced the move with a statement on its website.

"Targeted Allocation Money was used to acquire Naess, who will be added to Crew SC's active roster following receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa. Naess will occupy an international roster slot as a Discovery Signing for the Black & Gold."

(Courtesy: @ColumbusCrewSC)

Naess, 23, made 74 Tippeligaen appearances for Stabaek after his professional debut in 2012, including two Europa League qualifiers for the club formerly managed by Bob Bradley.

"Nicolai is a young, talented defender that brings a significant amount of experience from the topflight in Norway," Crew sporting director and manager Gregg Berhalter said.

"We believe he can make an immediate impact for the club and we look forward to integrating him into our system."

Naess will be in the Crew's squad when the club welcomes Orlando City SC on Saturday.

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