Jamal Thiaré has completed a permanent move from Atlanta United FC to Columbus Crew in a deal worth €170,000, signing a contract that runs from 2026-02-02 until 2027-12-31. The 32-year-old Senegalese centre-forward joins Columbus with an official market value of €400,000, reinforcing the MLS club’s attacking options ahead of the new phase of the campaign.
The transfer keeps Thiaré in Major League Soccer after a season and a half with Atlanta, where he arrived from French side Le Havre AC. Columbus have secured a proven professional with extensive experience in both European and North American football, and the relatively modest fee reflects both his age and his current valuation while still underlining the club’s belief that he can make an immediate impact.
Thiaré switches to Columbus having already adapted to the demands of MLS following his move from France to the United States. At Atlanta, he was signed from Le Havre, a club where he spent several productive seasons and saw his market value peak at around €900,000 during his time in Ligue 2. Before that spell, he built his career in France with US Avranches after an early professional stint in Belgium with Royal Charleroi SC and its U19 side, following his initial development at CNEPS Excellence in Senegal.
Standing at 1.83m and operating primarily as a centre-forward, Thiaré offers Columbus a classic focal point up front, with a right-footed profile that has been trusted across multiple leagues. His journey from Kaolack in Senegal to Belgium, France and now the United States illustrates a well-travelled career, and the continuity within MLS could help Columbus integrate him quickly into their system.
The move also continues a long-running theme in his career: steady value and reliability. From his early valuation of €250,000 at Charleroi, through his rise at Avranches and Le Havre, to his current €400,000 mark at Atlanta, Thiaré has maintained a consistent presence at professional level across more than a decade. The latest drop in his market value from €500,000 to €400,000 in 2025 reflects a natural age curve rather than a drastic loss of status, making him a cost-effective acquisition for Columbus.
Contractually, Thiaré’s deal to 2027-12-31 gives both player and club medium-term security while still leaving open the possibility of one more move later in his career, whether within MLS or elsewhere. His status at the end of that agreement could see him approach free agency, depending on whether Columbus exercise any option or extend his stay based on performances.
For a player who has already crossed borders multiple times and proven he can adapt to different football cultures, this confirmed transfer to Columbus is another significant step. It ensures he remains abroad, competing in the United States rather than returning to Senegal, and offers him a clear platform to prolong his career at a strong level. If he delivers the goals and presence Columbus expect, this move has the potential to solidify his reputation as a durable, effective centre-forward who has successfully navigated European and North American football over many years.
