Crew Land Gazdag in Major Trade as Union Continue Roster Shake-Up

The Columbus Crew have reached a deal to acquire Hungarian international Daniel Gazdag from the Philadelphia Union in a blockbuster cash-only trade, according to GiveMeSport. The move marks a major piece in Columbus' ongoing offensive rebuild.

Gazdag, 29, has been one of Major League Soccer’s most prolific attacking midfielders since joining Philadelphia in 2021. He scored at least 14 goals in each of the last three seasons, including a standout 22-goal campaign in 2022. The Hungarian has also been a model of consistency, appearing in 30 or more matches in all three of those seasons. On the international stage, he has earned 29 caps with Hungary.

The Union are undergoing a major roster overhaul following the arrival of new head coach Bradley Carnell, who replaced long-time manager Jim Curtin. Earlier this winter, Philadelphia traded homegrown USMNT midfielder Jack McGlynn to the Houston Dynamo. Now Gazdag becomes the latest cornerstone player to depart.

Columbus, meanwhile, have been searching for a new Designated Player after club icon Cucho Hernández was sold to LaLiga side Real Betis in a club-record deal. Hernández scored 44 goals in 70 league matches and was the runner-up in the 2024 MLS MVP race behind Lionel Messi.

Veteran striker Christian Ramirez also left this winter, joining LA Galaxy for up to $500,000 in General Allocation Money. With Gazdag now arriving, only Diego Rossi remains from last season’s front three and has already netted four times in seven matches this year.