Crew Review Week 8: A major new signing
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Midfielder Dániel Gazdag is the biggest signing of Issa Tall's tenure as Crew general manager. Photo: Courtesy Columbus Crew
It seemed like the Crew might wait for summer to make a big splash, but a major reinforcement is already here in the signing of Dániel Gazdag.
Why it matters: The Hungarian Designated Player is one of the league's most prolific scorers.
MLS Record: 5-0-3, 18 points.
- 1st in the East, 2nd in MLS.
On the field: Gazdag debuted when he subbed in at halftime during Sunday's 2-1 victory in St. Louis.
Follow the money: The Crew paid the Philadelphia Union $4 million for Gazdag in a cash-for-player trade, which functions like a transfer.
- It's one of the team's biggest all-time signings, trailing only the fees paid for Cucho Hernández, Lucas Zelarayán and Diego Rossi.
Between the lines: Gazdag is a unique, highly productive player who seems tailor-made for coach Wilfried Nancy's team.
- Nominally he's a midfielder, playing primarily as a playmaker behind a striker. But don't let his position fool you — he's a goal scorer.
By the numbers: He scored 72 goals in 161 total appearances with the Union in all competitions.
- He's a penalty kick expert and loves to make late-arriving runs into scoring position. From there, he's an elite finisher.
Bonus: He already has a green card and won't occupy one of the Crew's limited international roster spots.
What they're saying: "The second we were aware of his availability, it was a no-brainer," GM Issa Tall said during a press conference.
- "I actually told my agent that if there is a team that I would like to go to, that's the Crew," Gazdag said, per the Dispatch.
💭 Andrew's thought bubble: Gazdag's interest is precisely why it's best for the Crew to treat its players well.
- Players and agents know teams' reputations. Right now, Columbus has a stellar reputation within MLS and beyond.
📆 What's next: The Crew "host" Inter Miami Saturday in a controversial trip to Cleveland.