Columbus Crew SC announced Friday it has acquired Finnish defender Jukka Raitala, 28, as a discovery signing.
Raitala, who will be officially added to the Crew’s roster after his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa are received, will occupy an international roster spot. He most recently played for Sogndal IL in Norway.
Raitala has played in 263 professional matches for several European clubs, including Aalborg BK and FC Vestsjaelland in Denmark, SC Heerenveen in the Netherlands, Osasuna in Spain, SC Paderborn 07 and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in Germany and HJK Helsinki in Finland. He has earned 36 caps with Finland’s senior national team.