Transfer: Dániel Gazdag Departs Philadelphia Union for Columbus Crew in $4M Deal
Gazdag Leaves Union as All-Time Leading Goalscorer with 72 Goals After Five Seasons
Chester — The Philadelphia Union have sold Hungarian international midfielder Dániel Gazdag to Columbus Crew for $4 million, with an additional $500,000 contingent on performance metrics.
Gazdag, 29, joined the Union in 2021 from Budapest Honvéd FC for a reported $1.8 million. He departs as the club’s all-time leading goal scorer with 72 goals, appearing 161 times across all competitions, registering 24 assists in 13,029 minutes.
In MLS, Gazdag played 125 games (115 starts), scoring 59 goals and adding 19 assists over 10,018 minutes across five seasons (2021-25). He led the Union in goals for three consecutive years: 2022 (22), 2023 (14), and 2024 (17). His four career hat tricks came against Colorado Rapids (8/27/22), Toronto FC (10/9/22), Querétaro FC (7/26/23), and Nashville SC (7/20/24).
In 2022, Gazdag started all 34 MLS games, scoring 22 goals—tied for second-most in the league with Austin FC’s Sebastián Driussi—and adding six assists in 2,941 minutes. This performance earned him a designated player contract through 2025, with a club option for 2026.
Last year, Gazdag earned $1,757,500 in guaranteed compensation, per the MLSPA. Reports indicated he sought a $3 million annual deal. Compared to other No. 10s, his output justified the ask: he trailed only Columbus’ Diego Rossi in goals, with Rossi recording one more assist in seven additional games. While 42% of Gazdag’s goals for the Union were penalties, only four of his 19 goals last season came from the spot, showcasing his open-play scoring and playmaking, with a career-high seven assists.
At his introductory press conference with the Columbus Crew, Gazdag was asked why he was made available by the Philadelphia Union, and made it known that he actually wanted to retire with the Union.
"Yeah, that's a good question. I think somebody else should answer that question. It was an amazing four years [in] Philadelphia. I enjoyed it a lot. I like my teammates; I have friends there. It would have been nice to stay there for the rest of my career. After I found out it wasn't possible, we got this offer from the Columbus Crew, I actually decided that I wanted to leave and join this club to win."
In the Union’s press release announcing the deal, sporting director Ernst Tanner kind of answered the question, stating that the move was beneficial for both club and player, offering financial flexibility for the Union.
“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. 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. We know Daniel will continue to find great success, and we wish him nothing but the best.”
Indiana Vassilev is the frontrunner to replace Gazdag. The 24-year-old has appeared in six games (one start) for the Union this season, recording one assist in 206 minutes. A regular under coach Bradley Carnell at St. Louis CITY—where he played 62 matches, scoring five goals and adding nine assists in 3,937 minutes—Vassilev has primarily featured as a No. 6 but thrives out wide. His familiarity with Carnell’s system should ease his transition.
Fifteen-year-old Cavan Sullivan is another candidate for increased minutes, having played 17 minutes in two Union appearances. Sullivan has shined for Union II this season, scoring twice in three games (226 minutes). Jeremy Rafanello could also see more time, while CJ Olney and David Vazquez—yet to play for the Union this season—are less likely options, with Olney’s only first-team experience being 18 minutes last season.
Tanner reiterated his statement from the press release in a video released by the Union on Friday, saying he believes the club has sufficient depth to replace Gazdag:
"We are against doing something immediate, even if we might have an opportunity,” said Philadelphia Union Sporting Director Ernst Tanner. “But we have good roster depth. We have a lot of players who could fill in. We already proved that we can win a game without Dániel. We want to see how that plays out. And, you know, when somebody is going out, there is always a chance for somebody going in. And we have the quality in our roster and enough good players to fill the spot. And if it doesn't turn out to be the right choice, then okay, then we might need to go out in summer and add a player. At least we have the flexibility right now to do it as we open up a roster spot as well."
Gazdag missed one game this season for the Union due to being away with Hungary on International duty, the Union won 1-0 against St. Louis CITY when Gazdag was away. Filling in for Gazdag that game? Indiana Vassilev.
If the Union were to sign a player before the MLS transfer window closes, they have until April 23. As Tanner mentioned, Gazdag’s departure opens a senior roster spot for the Union, which currently stands at 19. MLS teams are allowed no more than 20 spots on their senior roster. One thing to note: if the Union sign an international player, they would need to acquire an international slot, as all seven of their current slots are filled.
Video Credit: Philadelphia Union / Columbus Crew
From a strictly business and financial perspective, I can’t argue with the Union making this deal. However, Tanner’s comments about what’s next for the Union is the reason why the Union will never capture the hearts of a larger fan base. There never appears to be any ambition from the club to be something other than a well run club who sticks to their plan and is sustainable. Don’t get me wrong, that is the sign of a very well run business and I appreciate that.
However, most people don’t spend their free time displaying their passion for a well run business. I hope that I’m wrong and the Union have a wildly successful season which includes a playoff appearance with a win or two with this season becoming a springboard to another five year run of sustained success. Unfortunately, I don’t think that will be the case as their business model (and how they judge their success) is based upon developing and selling young players to European clubs.
May 10th will be bittersweet.