Key Areas Columbus Crew Must Strengthen for a Successful 2025

The 2024 MLS season has finally come to a close, and for the Columbus Crew, it was a year of thrilling highs and frustrating lows. The Black & Gold made history by defeating Tigres and Monterrey on their way to the Concacaf Champions Cup Final and lifted the Leagues Cup in spectacular fashion. Wilfried Nancy’s side also set numerous club records in the regular season, earning him MLS Coach of the Year honors. However, the long and grueling campaign took its toll, with form dipping at the worst possible time. The Crew fell to Club América on penalties in the Campeones Cup and were swept in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs by eventual runners-up New York Red Bulls. While the season delivered moments of pride, the sour taste of an early postseason exit leaves plenty to reflect on as the Crew look to strengthen and bring the MLS Cup back to Central Ohio in 2025.

An Aidan Morris replacement in midfield

Since Aidan Morris’ departure to EFL Championship side Middlesbrough in June, the Columbus Crew have yet to fully replace his energy and presence in the midfield. In his absence, Sean Zawadzki, Alex Matan, and even Dylan Chambost, who joined the club over the summer, have been tasked with filling the No. 8 role. While each of these players had their moments, particularly in the Crew’s Leagues Cup triumph over LAFC, it became clear that none of them were a long-term solution to the void left by Morris. Zawadzki has shown the most promise in this role, proving capable of contributing defensively while linking play effectively. However, with Matan leaving the club and Chambost not being as defensively sound, it’s evident the Crew need more stability in central midfield. The loss of Morris’ dynamic presence has been felt, especially as the team struggled to maintain consistency in the final stretch of the season.

There’s plenty of reason for optimism with Taha Habroune on the verge of breaking into the first team. The kid has had a standout year with the U.S. Youth National Team and Crew 2, even earning a few senior team appearances along the way. His technical ability and composure on the ball make him one to keep an eye on, but at just 18, it’s probably a little too soon to lean on him as a full-time starter. The Crew need to find the right balance—giving Habroune the minutes to develop without throwing him into the deep end just yet.

That’s why bringing in another center midfielder to partner with Darlington Nagbe has to be a top priority. Someone with defensive grit, box-to-box energy, and the ability to drive the game forward is exactly what this team needs. Filling the hole left by Morris won’t just stabilize the midfield; it’ll also give Habroune the time he needs to grow into the player we all know he can become. 

Should the Black & Gold look for another forward?

Adding another top forward would be an exciting move for the Columbus Crew, but let’s face it—the forward line is already pretty crowded, even with Alex Matan’s departure. Obviously, Cucho Hernández and Diego Rossi are the stars leading the attack, but behind them, there’s plenty of depth. Christian Ramirez has been reliable as ever, Jacen Russell-Rowe continues to show his potential as a clinical finisher, Dylan Chambost offers versatility, and Aziel Jackson adds creativity and flair. Then there’s Marino Hinestroza, who was bought from Pachuca last winter but spent the second half of the season on loan at Atlético Nacional—he’s another name that could rejoin the mix.

If the Crew decide to bring in another talented forward, though, it raises the possibility of one player leaving to make room. Whether it’s a veteran like Ramirez looking for more minutes elsewhere, or a younger prospect like Russell-Rowe being moved on, the Crew would have to balance adding firepower with managing squad depth. It’s a good problem to have, but one that requires careful consideration to ensure the right players stick around to complement the team’s ambitions.

Is it time to move on from Rudy Camacho?

Rudy Camacho has been a solid and experienced presence in the Columbus Crew’s defense, but as much as he’s contributed to the team, it’s clear that over-relying on him in the future could be a risk. Camacho’s leadership and vast MLS experience make him an invaluable mentor for younger defenders, and his knowledge of the league cannot be overstated. However, his performances in the latter part of the 2024 season showed that he’s not immune to mistakes that can cost the team, with a few high-profile errors leaving the Crew exposed in critical moments.

While it’s not necessary to part ways with Camacho, especially considering his contributions, the Crew would benefit from finding another option to play in the middle of the back three. One of the main concerns is the lack of a strong physical presence in the defense. Although Zawadzki has proven his versatility and could slot into the backline, the team’s real need is for a central defender who is both physically imposing and calm on the ball. Height is another issue that the Crew must address; the current defensive options—including Cheberko, Zawadzki, Steven Moreira, and even Malte Amundsen, who was sidelined with injury—are all under six feet tall. While height isn’t the only factor for success, having a player with a physical presence in aerial duels, particularly during set pieces, is crucial. The lack of a clear aerial threat in the backline, especially when defending crosses or set-piece situations, leaves the Crew vulnerable and could be a potential weak spot going into the new year.

Fortunately, the Crew may be looking to address this issue. GM Issa Tall has already hinted at the potential arrival of a young, tall center-back in the offseason. This would bring much-needed depth and height to the defense, helping the Crew become more resilient in aerial battles and set-piece situations.

Potential to buy down Nagbe’s contract for a new DP slot

Another intriguing hint from GM Issa Tall has sparked speculation about the potential arrival of a third Designated Player (DP). While Tall didn’t outright confirm the possibility, he also didn’t deny it, leaving fans to wonder if the Crew are preparing to make a major splash this offseason. Currently, all three DP slots are filled by Cucho Hernández, Diego Rossi, and Darlington Nagbe, but rumors have swirled over the past year about the possibility of Nagbe’s contract being bought down with allocation money. These rumors gained traction during the Lucas Zelarayán and Rossi transfer saga, suggesting that the club had explored options to free up a DP slot, only for league rules to prevent it at the time.

If those rumors resurface—and if the Crew are able to manage the roster flexibility to retain Nagbe while adding another DP-level player—it could be a game-changer. A new high-impact addition would not only elevate the squad’s overall quality but also bring fresh energy and depth to a team that showed flashes of brilliance in 2024 but ultimately fell short in key moments. Combining Nagbe’s midfield control with another elite-level talent could provide the Crew with the firepower needed to dominate games and close out the tight contests that define championship-caliber teams. This offseason presents a crucial opportunity for Columbus to redefine its ambitions and take a significant step toward reclaiming the MLS Cup.

Important contract extensions

For fans, the thought of losing Cucho Hernández or Patrick Schulte feels unthinkable—and for good reason. Cucho has delivered countless unforgettable moments, from clutch goals to his fiery energy that electrifies Lower.com Field. He’s not just a star; he’s the player you build a championship team around. But with rumors swirling of clubs from abroad circling for his signature, the Crew need to act fast. Boosting his salary and locking him into a long-term deal isn’t just about keeping a great player—it’s about showing the league and the fans that Columbus is serious about competing at the highest level.

The same goes for Schulte, who has gone from an under-the-radar prospect to a goalkeeper you can trust when the pressure is on, especially in penalty shootouts where he’ll come out with big saves, but sometimes gets let down. Such as the loss to Club América and NYRB on PKs. His growth has been remarkable, and ensuring he’s part of the Crew’s future would cement a crucial foundation for the years to come. Letting either of them slip away would be a step back, and this offseason is the time to make sure that doesn’t happen.