While playing for the Union, Gazdag had his fair share of matchups against the Crew, which he considered to be "annoying" as he often found himself having to chase the ball rather than retain it, and was usually on the losing side. Those traits put Columbus at the top of his list for possible landing spots.

The Columbus Crew acquired midfielder Daniel Gazdag from the Philadelphia Union on Friday in exchange for up to $4.5 million.

"The players have been ultra-professional, and they know the nature of the industry," Carnell said as everyone waited for the deal to get over the line. It will net the Union at least $4 million.