Meram extends stay with new multiyear deal
Crew SC’s longesttenured player will hold onto that title for the foreseeable future.
The Crew announced Thursday that it has signed midfielder Justin Meram to a multiyear extension. Meram, selected from the University of Michigan with the 15th pick in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft, has made 155 regular-season appearances with Columbus. He is in his seventh season with the team.
Coach Gregg Berhalter said it was the Crew’s intention all along to sign the 28-year-old to an extension.
“Obviously, we knew what we wanted,” Berhalter said. “It was important Justin knew what he wanted, as well. Getting it done, it gives us all peace of mind that he is going to be around for a while and we’re going to continue to have him developing.”
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policy, terms of the extension were not disclosed. But the Crew will use targeted allocation money — used to buy down a player’s salary below the maximum budget charge — as a part of Meram’s extension. The maximum salary budget charge for a single player in 2017 is $480,625. Meram has 103 regular-season starts with the Crew. He has 23 of his 27 regular-season assists and 19 of 24 goals since the start of the 2014 season, when Berhalter took over as coach. Meram had five goals and 13 assists in 2016.
Meram was fresh off ankle surgery when Berhalter was hired; since August 2014, Meram has been a regular in the Crew starting 11.
“He (has) really matured and understood what it takes to be a real pro,” Berhalter said. “When I think about how he has improved, it’s not just on offense, but also on the defensive side. It’s impressive.”
Playing for Iraq’s national team — Meram was born in Michigan, but his parents were born in Iraq — has exposed Meram to the international soccer scene. That exposure has brought several offers to play overseas. When asked about the offers last month, Meram said, “It’s not easy.” On Thursday, though, he said re-signing with the Crew became an “easy decision.”
“I want to keep developing and keep getting better in this league,” said Meram, who credited Berhalter’s “vision” upon the coach’s arrival. “It’s a place I wanted to stay. I’m thankful that we were able to get a deal done.”
Berhalter said, “I think any player wants to see where there is interest. I can understand that completely. But it’s important that he came to a point where he clearly gave us a sign that he wants to be here and be a part of what we’re doing.”
Last week, Berhalter announced Meram as one of five players who will assist new captain Wil Trapp as part of the team’s leadership council.
“I think his personality is such that players are drawn to him and he’s easygoing, easy to get along with,” Berhalter said. “Once he has that acceptance, he is able to work on his message.”