Columbus Crew SC acquire Grant Lillard in trade from Inter Miami

TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Trade

Columbus Crew SC have acquired defender Grant Lillard in a trade with Inter Miami CF in exchange for a third round pick in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft. 

Lillard, 24, joined Miami for their expansion season from Chicago Fire FC but never made his debut with Inter. He made 12 appearances over two seasons with the Fire from 2018-19. Lillard provides depth in central defense for the Crew after Vito Wormgoor underwent ankle surgery.

“Grant is a promising, young defender who brings MLS experience to our defensive corps,” Crew president and GM Tim Bezbatchenko said in a statement. “His addition will help strengthen our roster depth as we continue to build a team that can compete for championships. We are happy to welcome Grant to Columbus and look forward to working with him to continue his development as our season resumes on August 20.”

Prior to joining the Fire, Lillard spent four seasons at Indiana University. During his time with the powerhouse program he started 86 games, while adding 14 goals and nine assists. He was named a MAC Hermann Trophy finalist, First Team All-America by United Soccer Coaches, Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and First-Team All-Big Ten during his senior season.