U.S. U-20 midfielder Romain Gall signs with Columbus Crew

The Columbus Crew's attempt to sign Mix Diskerud was unfruitful, but the club still managed to add an attacking midfielder with U.S. international pedigree into the fold. 

The Crew added U.S. Under-20 midfielder Romain Gall via weighted lottery Thursday, the club announced. Gall, a French-American dual national, comes from the FC Lorient youth system, where he has played since 2011. Born in France, Gall is a Virginia youth product who passed on the chance to play at the University of Maryland.

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"We feel that Romain is a young player with ability," said Crew manager and sporting director Gregg Berhalter said in a club statement. "He’s 19 years old, has great attacking ability and is a dynamic part of U.S. Soccer’s Youth National Team program. We feel that he’s a strong addition to our team, and we’re looking forward to bringing him in. We aim to be a club recognized for developing talented young players into successful professionals for their club and country.”

Columbus, which sits atop the MLS Allocation Order, had talks with Diskerud break down. Since Gall enters the league via the weighted lottery mechanism, the Crew still maintain the top priority for U.S. internationals or players returning to MLS after leaving for a transfer fee.