CHESTER, Pa. — Daniel Gazdag is officially on the move. The Philadelphia Union confirmed Friday the transfer of their all-time leading scorer to MLS Eastern Conference leaders Columbus Crew, marking a major shakeup just seven matches into the 2025 season.
Daniel Gazdag to Columbus
Much of the news midweek surrounded the trade of Daniel Gazdag to MLS Eastern Conference leader Columbus Crew, as first reported by Tom Bogert of GiveMeSport on Wednesday morning. While photos and reports on Thursday showed Gazdag training with the Crew, Philadelphia Union head coach Bradley Carnell was unable to fully comment on the trade, as the club had not officially announced it. He did, however, shed some light on the situation.
“Listen at the end of the day it’s professional football, and yeah coaches, players, staff members- you know they are rotating. One thing that will always be there is the club. So you know the players have been ultra professional and again, they know the nature of the industry especially within America and understand everything that goes with it.”
On Friday, the club finally announced the trade and released the terms of the agreement. The Union acquired a guaranteed $4 million from Columbus Crew, with the potential to receive up to an additional $500,000 if performance-based incentives are met, according to the club’s press release.
“Daniel’s contributions to the club have been invaluable,” said Philadelphia Union Sporting Director Ernst Tanner. “Since joining the Union, he has been an integral part of the team’s success, and we are deeply grateful for everything he has done for the organization.”
Before coming to MLS, Gazdag spent eight years with Budapest Honvéd FC in the Nemzeti Bajnokság I, the top-tier league in Hungary. In four full seasons with the Union, Gazdag—now the club’s all-time leading scorer—recorded 59 goals, 31 assists, 217 shots and 10,007 minutes played in 125 total appearances (115 starts).
So, why did the Union move on from the Hungarian attacker just seven matches into the season? Some point to his contract, which expires in 2025 with a club option for 2026. But do you really want to see another situation like Julian Carranza or Jack Elliott, where a good player leaves on a free transfer? As my friend and colleague José Nuñez said on a recent episode of “The Free Kick Podcast” with Todd Lewis, from a business standpoint, no—you do not.
Tanner shared his thoughts on the trade and why it made sense for the club.
“At this time, we believe this move is in the best interest of both the club and player. The financial flexibility it provides will allow us to further invest and strengthen our roster, while also providing opportunities for other players who we are confident can step in to the role. Additionally, this gives Daniel the opportunity to pursue what makes the most sense for him in the next chapter in his career.”
Regardless of your stance on the trade, Carnell now must determine his midfield plans. Indiana Vassilev is expected to earn the starting spot, given Carnell’s history with him at St. Louis City. Cavan Sullivan and C.J. Olney also remain strong bench options.
Speaking with Columbus media, Gazdag expressed appreciation for Philadelphia and said he had envisioned retiring there. Still, he shared excitement for the next chapter in his career.
“It is a very successful franchise, they’ve won so many major titles. It makes me proud to join a club like the Crew. It makes me happy that I’m playing for a club that is actually playing for titles every year.”
Philadelphia and Columbus face off Saturday, May 10, at Subaru Park in what will mark Gazdag’s return to Chester, Pa.
Injury Updates: Wagner, Glavinovich, and Blake
On Friday, MLS Communications released player status reports ahead of Saturday’s matches. For the Union:
- Ian Glavinovich – Knee (Out)
- Andre Blake – Adductor (Questionable)
- Kai Wagner – Oblique (Questionable)
Glavinovich suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee during the April 5 match against Orlando City SC. He underwent a successful procedure this week and has already begun his recovery.
Carnell provided a brief update during his weekly press conference:
“Not sure yet, you know he’s still letting that swelling come down um but again uh it was a successful surgery that that we do know um yeah again pnce we able to say how long that will be um but I do see light at the end.”
Carnell added that, in his opinion, Glavinovich will play again this season. In his absence, the Union will likely rely on Olwethu Makhanya, who has shown promise as a starting center back but also inconsistency, which led to his time in MLS NEXT Pro last year. Other options include highly rated center back Neil Pierre (on an off-roster homegrown deal), Nate Harriel, and Frankie Westfield.
As for Wagner, who missed the last match with an oblique strain, Carnell said:
“Still questionable, but I think good, day-to-day, so yeah we’re just trying to get him through parts of training um to see how he responds…”
Also worth noting is Blake’s adductor injury, which could keep him out. If so, Andrew Rick is expected to start again at Citi Field. Rick has been solid this season across MLS and MLS NEXT Pro, earning one clean sheet so far.
NYCFC on Tap
Despite off-field distractions, Carnell emphasized his focus on the Union’s upcoming match at NYCFC on Saturday.
“I mean there’s a game to be played and you know New York City is a very good opponent and a tough environment to go to and play at so you know that’s been our full focus right now…”
NYCFC manager Pascal Jansen, meanwhile, is focused on his team’s response after a disappointing start against Minnesota last week.
“That’s something we addressed also together as a group… the first 15 to 20 minutes will be a huge turning point going into this game…”
NYCFC’s all-time record against the Union stands at 9 wins, 10 losses, and 2 draws, with 29 goals scored and 33 conceded. Their most recent loss to Philadelphia came on Sept. 18, 2024, in a 5-1 defeat.
Saturday’s match will air on Apple TV as part of the MLS Season Pass, with kickoff at 7:30 p.m. We’ll be live from the press box covering the match and sharing post game reactions from players and coaches. Stay tuned for a new episode of the podcast dropping later this week.
Jillian Almoney contributed to this article.
Main article photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Union.
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