Story by
Columbus Crew forward Alex Matan becomes first player to announce departure this offseason
- Story by
- Columbus Crew forward Alex Matan becomes first player to announce departure this offseason
Crew forward Alex Matan has taken to Instagram to announce his departure from the club ahead of Columbus' roster decisions, which are due Nov. 27.
Matan's post indicates that the Crew have declined to resign him, as Matan was one of two players set to have their contract expire without a club or player option. Goalkeeper Evan Bush is the other player in the same position this offseason.
Advertisement
Related: Crew GK Patrick Schulte receives second USMNT callup under Pochettino
Dec 9, 2023; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Crew midfielder Alexandru Matan (20) dribbles up field during the MLS Cup final against Los Angeles FC at Lower.com Field.
In Matan's post, the 5-foot-6 Romanian expressed the desire to take the "next step" in his career and thanked his now former teammates, coaches and fans.
"Though I'm moving on, I will always be your No. 1 fan," Matan said via Instagram. "Keep fighting, keep believing, and keep creating magic on the field. This isn't goodbye; it's just a new beginning."
Signing with Columbus in 2021, Matan was under a U-22 contact and made $483,250 this season.
The expiration of Matan's contract opens a second U-22 roster spot for the Crew, with Marino Hinestroza being the only Columbus player under a U-22 contract.
Advertisement
This season, Matan appeared in 28 regular-season games, scoring four goals. Three of those goals were recorded against the New England Revolution on Oct. 12, when Matan achieved his career-first hattrick.
Prior to coach Wilfried Nancy joining the club ahead of the 2023 season, Matan struggled under Caleb Porter for two years. After recording 28 regular-season appearances, nine as a starter, Matan was sent to Romania's Rapid Bucuresti on loan for a majority of 2022.
Matan's status with Columbus for 2023 was unclear, but Nancy brought Matan back to the club and played the forward in over 60 games, including the 2023 MLS Cup final.
Get more Columbus Crew content by listening to our podcast
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Crew forward Alex Matan is set to leave the club
