MLS transfer roundup: Birk Risa signs for NYCFC, Justin Che leaves FC Dallas for Brondby IF

All kinds of transactions have been made in recent days, with a couple of incomings and outgoings as well as two mutual contract terminations in Major League Soccer's secondary transfer window.

1. Brondby IF sign Justin Che from FC Dallas

Danish side Brondby IF have signed 19-year-old defender Justin Che from FC Dallas on a permanent deal.

Che, who featured at the U20 World Cup for the US earlier this summer, already has plenty of experience abroad after being previously loaned out to Bayern Munich II and TSG Hoffenheim.

The former homegrown player made 15 appearances for Dallas, adding three assists.

2. NYCFC strengthen defense with Birk Risa signing

NYCFC have signed Norwegian defender Birk Risa on a deal through the 2025 season from Molde FK, with an option for a further season in 2026.

The 25-year-old made 92 appearances for Molde, scoring three goals along the way. Risa also has Bundesliga experience as he played for FC Koln II from 2016-2018.

"I’m very happy, it’s a dream come true to play in Major League Soccer," Risa said. "I’m really looking forward to getting started, to being part of the team and building something at this great club. I like to play good football, keep possession, play together as a team, and be leader both on-and-off the field."

"We are thrilled to welcome Birk to New York City," Blues sporting director David Lee said. Birk is a left-footed center back whose ability to play from the back will fit into our system and style of play. Birk is entering his prime and will bring quality and depth to the center back position as we turn our attention to the second half of the season and toward playoffs."

3. Rodolfo Pizarro & Inter Miami mutually agree to part ways

Inter Miami have confirmed that ex-Designated Player Rodolfo Pizarro has left the club via a mutual contract termination.

The 29-year-old, who was Miami's first ever DP after joining from Monterrey in 2020, is expected to head to Greece to link up with former head coach Matias Almeyda (when he played in Liga MX at Chivas) at AEK Athens.

Pizarro leaves Miami after making over 60 appearances, scoring seven goals and 13 assists in a tenure that featured a loan spell to Monterrey last year.

In the big picture, the move frees up a DP spot for the Herons that allows them to either register a player like Sergio Busquets or make another splash in the transfer market to climb up the Eastern Conference table with the arrival of Lionel Messi.

4. Columbus Crew & Eloy Room agree to contract termination

Veteran goalkeeper Eloy Room has left Columbus Crew after a mutual contract termination was agreed between the two parties.

After joining Crew in 2019, the 34-year-old made over 100 appearances for the Ohio based team and was in between the sticks when they captured the 2020 MLS Cup.

"I want to thank the city of Columbus for welcoming me as it did, the Columbus Crew for bringing me in, my teammates for the countless battles, and the staff for everything they do," Room said.

"Most importantly, I want to thank the best fans in MLS for the endless support ... Today, I leave as a player, but join as a fan. Columbus Crew will forever be a part of me."

The former PSV Eindhoven player is expected to return to the Dutch first division and sign for the first club he ever played for, Vitesse.

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