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The 2025 season was full of ups and downs for the Columbus Crew. They dealt with injuries, saw young players step up, added new talent, and still made a solid playoff run. With Darlington Nagbe retiring and several contract decisions coming up, this offseason is a big one for the club. Let's take a look at where each player stands going into next season.
Wessam Abou Ali - Forward
2025 Season Stats: 5 GP, 4 GS, 304 min., 3 Goals, 1 Assist
Abou Ali took some time to make his debut due to visa issues, but once he got on the field, he immediately showed why the Crew invested heavily in him. Scoring three goals in his final three matches before going down with a season-ending foot injury, he gave fans a glimpse of the striker Columbus had been missing since Cucho’s departure. With the club committed to him long-term, he should return healthy in 2026 and immediately contend for the Golden Boot.
Final Prediction: Returning / Staying on the Roster
Ibrahim Aliyu - Forward
2025 Season Stats: 28 GP, 14 GS, 1,381 min., 3 Goals, 2 Assists
Aliyu arrived from Houston on deadline day and showed flashes of real potential, especially with his versatility at multiple attacking and wingback roles. But while he fit Nancy’s system stylistically, the consistency was never there, and his U-22 roster slot plus potential $750k in add-ons complicate his future. With a club option looming, the Crew may feel they can use that spot more efficiently elsewhere.
Final Prediction: Option Declined
Malte Amundsen - Defender
2025 Season Stats: 32 GP, 28 GS, 2,381 min., 2 Goals, 4 Assists
Since arriving in 2023, Amundsen has quietly become one of the Crew’s most reliable defenders, thriving on the left side of the back three. Even when Cheberko initially challenged him early in the year, Amundsen’s experience, versatility, and elite on-ball qualities kept him in the starting lineup. His value in possession makes him a near-lock to return as a key part of the defensive core.
Final Prediction: Returning / Staying on the Roster
Max Arfsten - Wingback
2025 Season Stats: 37 GP, 36 GS, 3,218 min., 7 Goals, 10 Assists
Arfsten enjoyed a breakout year, becoming one of the most important players on the roster and even earning regular USMNT call-ups. His ability to beat defenders, create chances, and push the tempo from wingback made him essential to Nancy’s system. European clubs have noticed, but with a World Cup on the horizon, staying in Columbus may be the best move.
Final Prediction: Returning / Staying on the Roster
Tristan Brown - Wingback
2025 Season Stats: 6 GO, 0 GS, 38 min., 0 Goals, 0 Assists
Brown made only a handful of appearances, but the 17-year-old showed energy, confidence, and promise when he stepped onto the pitch. Despite limited minutes, his consistent presence on the bench suggests the coaching staff views him as a long-term piece. With potential departures at wingback, Brown could carve out an expanded role in 2026, though a partial season on loan remains possible.
Final Prediction: Returning / Staying on the Roster
Evan Bush - Goalkeeper
2025 Season Stats: 7 GP, 7 GS, 6 Goals Allowed, 2 Clean Sheets, 13 Saves
Even at 39, Bush proved he can still deliver in MLS, stepping up during Schulte’s injuries and international duties. He posted two clean sheets and even earned a start over a healthy Schulte late in the season. If he doesn’t retire, Bush’s leadership and experience make him a valuable presence.
Final Prediction: Returning / Staying on the Roster
Rudy Camacho - Defender
2025 Season Stats: 1 GP, 0 GS, 9 min.
Camacho’s contract year was derailed by injuries, as he missed nearly the entire regular season and didn’t return until a brief playoff cameo. While he remains a respected figure in the locker room, his age, international status, and cap hit make retaining him difficult.
Final Prediction: Free Agent Departure
Dylan Chambost - Midfielder
2025 Season Stats: 42 GP, 38 GS, 3,292 min., 2 Goals, 8 Assists
Chambost established himself early as the ideal midfield partner for Darlington Nagbe, providing energy, coverage, and link-up play. His ability to cover ground allowed Nagbe to play his natural game, though Chambost struggled in stretches when he had to hold the midfield by himself. Still, Columbus invested heavily in him, and he remains firmly in the club’s plans.
Final Prediction: Returning / Staying on the Roster
Yevhen Cheberko - Defender
2025 Season Stats: 36 GP, 27 GS, 2,560 min., 0 Goals, 0 Assists
Cheberko looked like a breakout candidate early in the season, even flirting with Defender of the Year discussions. But a series of costly mistakes eventually sent him to the bench, and his minutes dwindled significantly by year’s end. With a TAM salary, an international spot, and indications he may be saying goodbye, his time in Columbus could very well be over.
Final Prediction: Option Declined
Mohammed Farsi - Wingback
2025 Season Stats: 20 GP, 17 GS, 1,587 min., 1 Goal, 5 Assists
Farsi once again played a major role at right wingback before a season-ending pelvic injury in July. His energy, two-way reliability, and improved attacking presence made him one of the Crew’s most trusted starters. With a World Cup on the horizon and competition from Herrera, Farsi’s return will depend on proving he’s fully recovered. If on the roster, Farsi should still be a key contributor.
Final Prediction: Returning / Staying on the Roster
Daniel Gazdag - Forward
2025 Season Stats: 32 GP, 25 GS, 2,309 min., 4 Goals, 4 Assists
Gazdag arrived in a surprising early-season trade and was expected to be a high-impact DP, but his production fell well below expectations. Though he played well in stretches, four goals and four assists simply aren’t enough from a DP forward in MLS. His diminished role late in the year raises serious questions about whether both sides will look for a fresh start.
Final Prediction: Traded / Transferred
Taha Habroune - Midfielder
2025 Season Stats: 26 GP, 9 GS, 949 min., 1 Goal, 4 Assist
Habroune enjoyed a breakout season, emerging as a dynamic, versatile young piece capable of playing both in the midfield and the front line. He looked most comfortable in the attacking trio and delivered several big moments, including strong Leagues Cup performances and playoff starts. Habroune is trending toward a regular starting role in 2026.
Final Prediction: Returning / Staying on the Roster
Nicholas Hagen - Goalkeeper
2025 Season Stats: 3 GP, 3 GS, 10 Goals Allowed, 13 Saves
Hagen entered the season with a reputation as one of MLS’s top backup keepers, but his limited opportunities didn’t go well. Despite being a national-team starter for Guatemala, he fell behind Evan Bush in the depth chart late in the season. With Schulte entrenched as the No. 1, a transfer could benefit Hagen.
Final Prediction: Traded / Transferred
Andres Herrera - Wingback
2025 Season Stats: 28 GP, 21 GS, 6 Goals, 6 Assists
Herrera stepped up massively after Farsi’s injury, becoming one of the Crew’s most dangerous attacking threats down the stretch. His pace and willingness to push forward fit Nancy’s system extremely well, and his late-season form likely secured his place for 2026. Don't be surprised if Herrera earns a permanent deal to Columbus soon.
Final Prediction: Returning / Staying on the Roster
Derrick Jones - Midfielder
2025 Season Stats: 3 GP, 0 GS, 4 min.
Jones seemed like an ideal Nancy-system player when he arrived, and he showed glimpses of that potential last year. But he barely played this season, logging only four minutes before being placed on administrative leave. That situation essentially closes the door on a return.
Final Prediction: Option Declined
Stas Lapkes - Goalkeeper
2025 Season Stats: 0 GP
Lapkes signed a first-team deal but spent the season developing with Crew 2, which is typical for a young keeper. Columbus won’t carry five keepers again next year, but Lapkes’ age and potential could make him the developmental option they choose to keep.
Final Prediction: Returning / Staying on the Roster
Lassi Lappalainen - Wingback
2025 Season Stats: 23 GP, 6 GS, 500 min., 1 Goal, 4 Assists
Lappalainen offered attacking upside and looked dangerous going forward, but his defensive issues were costly at times. With a salary nearing $400k, it’s difficult to justify keeping him as a backup wingback. Columbus likely seeks a more balanced option at a more manageable number.
Final Prediction: Option Declined
Steven Moreira - Defender
2025 Season Stats: 38 GP, 37 GS, 3,087 min., 1 Goal, 3 Assist
Moreira continued to be one of the Crew’s most reliable defenders, even if his offensive numbers dipped slightly from last year. His consistency, leadership, and ability to defend in space make him an ideal fit in a back three. Even with an interesting Instagram post, it’s hard to imagine him anywhere else in 2026.
Final Prediction: Option Exercised
Cole Mrowka - Midfielder
2025 Season Stats: 3 GP, 0 GS, 33 min.
Mrowka earned a few more minutes than last season and spent time with both Crew 2 and Colorado Switchbacks on loan. He still has plenty of untapped potential, and patience will be key in his development. With a big change coming to the roster next season. Mrowka could very well be next season's Habroune.
Final Prediction: Returning / Staying on the Roster
Darlington Nagbe - Midfielder
2025 Season Stats: 38 GP, 38 GS, 3,312 min., 0 Goals, 1 Assist
Nagbe finished his legendary MLS career with another elite season, leading the league in passing percentage and anchoring the midfield until late injuries hit. His leadership and control were irreplaceable, and his retirement leaves a massive hole both on and off the pitch. Columbus now has major cap space to reinvest, but replacing Nagbe’s presence will be nearly impossible.
Final Prediction: Already Retired
Hugo Picard - Attacker
2025 Season Stats: 11 GP, 8 GS, 772 min., 0 Goals, 0 Assists
Picard showed strong movement, work rate, and pressing ability after arriving in the summer, fitting well into the fluid attacking system. But as a U-22 attacker, he’ll be judged on goal involvement, and zero goals or assists means he’ll need to take a step forward next year.
Final Prediction: Returning / Staying on the Roster
Abraham Romero - Goalkeeper
2025 Season Stats: 0 GP
Romero didn’t see first-team action this season and spent most of the year away from the matchday squad. He did get minutes with Crew 2 and had a brief USL Championship stint, but nothing to secure his future in Columbus. With the goalkeeper room crowded, his chance of returning seems slim.
Final Prediction: Free Agent Departure
Diego Rossi - Attacker
2025 Season Stats: 37 GP, 37 GS, 3,152 min., 19 Goals, 6 Assists
Rossi carried the Crew’s attack throughout 2025, matching a career high in MLS regular-season goals and keeping the team afloat during key injuries. He was the one constant threat in the final third and will continue to be a foundational piece next season. With Abou Ali returning healthy, Rossi’s load could lighten, but he will remain a key piece.
Final Prediction: Returning / Staying on the Roster
Jacen Russell-Rowe - Attacker
2025 Season Stats: 39 GP, 21 GS, 2,023 min., 10 Goals, 4 Assists
Russell-Rowe delivered a career-high 10 goals and showed promise as a secondary scoring option, despite a long midseason drought. His revival in the playoffs reminded fans of the potential he flashed with Crew 2. While competition will be high next season, he could still be a vital attacking option.
Final Prediction: Option Exercised
Cesar Ruvalcaba - Defender
2025 Season Stats: 15 GP, 3 GS, 305 min., 1 Goal
Ruvalcaba impressed enough in preseason and early training sessions to earn a first-team deal, and he rewarded that trust with steady, mistake-free play. He isn’t ready to start full-time, but he provides valuable depth and room for growth.
Final Prediction: Option Exercised
Patrick Schulte - Goalkeeper
2025 Season Stats: 32 GP, 32 GS, 2,880 min., 42 Goals Allowed, 4 Clean Sheets, 83 Saves
Schulte faced a more challenging season statistically, but he remains one of the league’s top young keepers and continues to be called into USMNT camps. His shot-stopping and distribution still show elite upside, even with some dips in form. With a World Cup coming, he’ll be motivated to bounce back
Final Prediction: Returning / Staying on the Roster
Amar Sejdic - Midfielder
2025 Season Stats: 17 GP, 4 GS, 359 min., 0 Goals, 1 Assist
Sejdic filled his role exactly as intended: a dependable depth midfielder. He wasn’t spectacular, but he was steady and reliable when called upon.
Final Prediction: Option Exercised
Sean Zawadzki - Midfielder / Defender
2025 Season Stats: 35 GP, 35 GS, 3,150 min., 2 Goals, 0 Assists
Zawadzki became the most indispensable player on the roster, excelling as the central defender in Nancy’s back three. His ability to cover ground, read danger, and steady the back line made him one of MLS’s best domestic defenders. Whether he moves into Nagbe’s role or stays in the back, he’ll once again be the first name on the team sheet.
Final Prediction: Returning / Staying on the Roster
The Crew head into 2026 with a solid core, with some exciting young talents, and some massive decisions to make. The offseason always brings surprises, but based on how everyone played and what their contracts look like, these predictions are what the Crew need to do to get back to the championship level they were at a few seasons ago.