Crew Fails to Act - 2025 Offseason Leaves Team Unprepared for New Challenges | OneFootball

As the 2025 Major League Soccer season kicks off on February 22, Columbus Crew finds itself entering a critical year without having made the moves necessary to maintain competitiveness. While other teams across the league have strengthened their squads, Crew’s offseason has been underwhelming, leaving many supporters questioning the front office’s commitment to pushing for another MLS Cup.

Perhaps the most glaring issue lies in the transfer of star striker Cucho Hernández, who was sold with no apparent plan to bring in a direct replacement. Cucho’s departure leaves a gaping hole in Columbus’ attack, and without a marquee signing to offset his loss, the Crew now appear significantly weaker offensively. When you consider that the team’s previous window of opportunity for a championship — one that included the 2023 MLS Cup title and 2024 Leagues Cup title — has now effectively closed, the lack of proactive movement from the front office is both concerning and frustrating for fans who believed that the Crew were still in their championship window.

One of the more positive moments in recent memory came after another key departure — that of fan-favorite Lucas Zelarayán, who was transferred to a Saudi Arabian club. The front office reassured supporters, within hours of the transfer, that they had a “big move” lined up to keep the team competitive, and they delivered. The Crew signed Diego Rossi, who not only filled the void left by Zelarayán but also contributed to the team’s success in the 2023 MLS Cup win. This was a rare moment of proactive planning, where the front office showed foresight and executed well, ensuring that the loss of a star player didn’t derail the team’s ambitions.

However, despite the positive move with Rossi, the current offseason has been marked by a lack of similar bold moves. With Cucho Hernández now gone and no major reinforcements signed to replace him, Crew fans are left wondering if the team has done enough to stay competitive. While Rossi’s integration into the squad was successful, the window for sustained success appears to be closing, and the lack of new signings in this window raises concerns about the team’s long-term plans.

The lack of aggressive moves in the transfer market suggests that Crew may not be taking the upcoming international tournaments — including the Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup — as seriously as they once did. A team aiming for a deep run in these prestigious competitions would typically ensure their squad is fortified with quality signings capable of competing at the highest level. Without significant additions to a roster now missing two of its star players, Columbus could struggle to make a mark internationally.

The Crew front office’s silence surrounding this window raises a troubling question: if there isn’t a major move forthcoming, is Columbus signaling to fans that these international competitions aren’t part of the team’s real goals? Without the necessary reinforcements, Crew supporters might be left wondering whether this is a season of consolidation or one where the club is quietly lowering expectations for the year.

In the past, Columbus has shown it can contend for championships, but without the necessary reinforcements, the team risks falling behind its competitors both in MLS and internationally. With a lack of ambition in the offseason, Crew’s front office has missed a golden opportunity to keep the team competitive in both domestic and international play. As the 2025 season approaches, only time will tell whether this decision to stand pat will haunt the Crew in a season filled with high expectations.