The news that most Columbus Crew SC fans were waiting to hear is apparently close from happening. According to a report from Brazilian website UOL Esportes, the Black & Gold have signed midfielder Artur to a permanent deal, assuring his return to the club in 2018.
According to the story, Crew SC exercised the purchase option of Artur’s loan contract, acquiring 50 percent of his rights from Brazilian club São Paulo FC for a fee of $1.5 million. The Brazilian club still owns 20 percent of the player’s transfer rights with Grêmio Juventus Jaraguá, a small club from the country’s lower divisions, owning the remaining 30 percent.