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Columbus Crew SC will make an addition at forward, according to sources close to the team. The Black & Gold will acquire Jamaican international and Atlanta United striker Romario Williams in a trade.
A trade for Williams out of Atlanta was first reported by Doug Roberson of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Massive Report then confirmed that Williams is on his way to Columbus.
The Crew declined to comment on the potential trade but Massive Report learned that the deal is happening
Williams is a big, athletic striker who has shown ability to score goals in bunches in the past. The forward was selected third overall in the 2015 MLS Draft following a strong collegiate career with the University of Central Florida, where he scored 18 goals in 51 matches.
In the professional ranks, Williams found his biggest success on loan stints to USL side Charleston Battery. He spent 2016 on loan in Charleston where he scored 10 goals in all competitions. In 2017, he was acquired by Atlanta United and once again went on loan to the Battery. In his second loan spell he scored 15 goals in 24 matches.
This season, Williams has struggled to break through the starting lineup with last year’s MLS Golden Boot winner Josef Martinez being a lock up top for United. Williams spent the majority of his season with Atlanta United 2, making spell appearances when Martinez is absent.
At his best, Williams plays a similar role to Salomon Rondon of the English Premier League. He does a great job of exposing space with his pace and athletic ability. On top of his scoring antics for Charleston, Williams has scored some stellar goals for the Reggae Boyz and certainly shows the ability to play at a high level.
A change of scenery could be exactly what he needs to regain his form. The Crew will certainly hope so as they have struggled to find consistency and depth at the striker position outside of Gyasi Zardes. Williams is expected to fill a role as a backup to Zardes, while being a younger option than current reserve forward, Patrick Mullins.
If Williams can play like he has in the past for Jamaica and Charleston it will provide a good depth option outside of Mullins and rookie JJ Williams.
This is an ongoing story and Massive Report will provide updates as they come available.