What happened: The club exercised a buyout of the midfielder’s guaranteed contract on Aug. 28. Gazdag joined Columbus from Philadelphia on April 11, 2025.

Why it matters: The move gives Columbus greater flexibility in allocating its Designated Player slots. It also ends a deal guaranteed through 2027 with a club option for 2028.

What to watch: Attention shifts to how Columbus uses the open roster slot and where Gazdag signs next.