April 22, 2022 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Columbus Crew SC News Release
COLUMBUS – Columbus Crew today announced that it has acquired up to $1.4 million in General Allocation Money (GAM) from the Colorado Rapids in exchange for forward Gyasi Zardes. As part of the trade, the Crew will receive a guaranteed $300,000 in 2022 GAM and could also receive up to an additional $1.1M in GAM if Zardes reaches multiple performance metrics during his time with the Rapids. The transaction opens a Designated Player spot on the Crew roster and the Rapids will pick up the remainder of Zardes’ full budget charge for the 2022 MLS season. Zardes, who was in the last year of his contract with the Black & Gold, leaves the Crew as the player with the fourth-most regular-season goals (54), behind only Jeff Cunningham (64), Brian McBride (62) and Federico Higuain (55).
“First and foremost, we want to thank Gyasi personally as he has been an important member of the Crew and the Columbus community since joining in 2018. We know Gyasi quickly became a fan favorite given all of his contributions both on the field and throughout Central Ohio and we did not take this decision lightly,” said Columbus Crew President & General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “When we think about the type of character and family we want in Columbus and in this League, Gyasi is a wonderful example of someone who fully embraced what it means to be a Crew player. He will always be a part of Crew history and our Black & Gold family.”
Continued Bezbatchenko: “We are constantly evaluating our roster and exploring ways in which to strengthen our squad. In order for us to feel comfortable with the idea of trading Gyasi, the deal would have to benefit all parties involved, including the player. Moreover, any possible deal had to financially reflect his on-field contributions. Our goal remains returning to the postseason and seeking championships, and we intend to work to secure the necessary points in the standings with…
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