Transfer Tracker

Columbus Crew acquire Liam Fraser on loan from Toronto FC

Liam Fraser on the ball

TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Loan

Columbus Crew SC have acquired midfielder Liam Fraser on loan from Toronto FC for the remainder of the 2021 season in exchange for $50,000 in 2021 General Allocation Money, the clubs announced Monday.

Fraser, 23, is a product of Toronto's academy and has made 33 MLS appearances (20 starts) since his debut in 2018. The midfielder has four caps with the Canadian national team as well.

ā€œHaving known Liam since he was an academy player in Toronto, he is a young, motivated and promising competitor whose presence will help deepen our midfield roster during a congested season,ā€ Crew President & GM Tim Bezbatchenko said in a club statement. ā€œWe look forward to integrating him into our squad in Columbus while also helping him continue his professional development.ā€

Bezbatchenko previously worked for Toronto, leading the front office when Fraser signed his Homegrown deal in 2018.

Fraser joins Columbus after homegrown midfielder Aidan Morris suffered a season-ending knee injury a few weeks ago. He'll bolster Caleb Porter's options at the position, behind starters Darlington Nagbe and Artur.

ā€œLiam is a talented young player with an incredible work ethic,ā€ said TFC GM Ali Curtis. ā€œDevelopment can occur in multiple ways, and we are happy that this presents a solution for Liam to potentially get meaningful first team minutes, and at the same time stay connected to TFC.ā€