As Columbus Crew GM Issa Tall prepares to make roster decision, a look at players at risk

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As Columbus Crew GM Issa Tall prepares to make roster decision, a look at players at risk

Brianna Mac Kay, Columbus Dispatch · The Columbus Dispatch

Thu, Nov 7, 2024 ·

2 min read

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The Crew's season is officially over , and in the wake of their first-round exit from the MLS Cup playoffs , general manager Issa Tall has started to meet with each player on the roster.

Some of the club's roster decisions are due Nov. 27, so many of these conversations will center on a player's future (or the lack of one) in Columbus .

"That's the process we're going through now," Tall said. "In terms of timeline, we don't put pressure on ourselves. ... The decisions were discussed and made weeks ago. So, it's not like we're waiting until the very last minute to make a decision on certain players."

Crew general manager Issa Tall has several roster decisions to make before an MLS deadline Nov. 27. — Crew general manager Issa Tall.

Coach Wilfried Nancy said the Crew started planning for 2025 in August and consistent communication between him, Tall and the rest of the front office has laid out a vision for what the Crew want moving forward.

Of the 27 players on their payroll, the Crew have the chance to pick up eight club options of expiring contracts. That's according to the roster profiles MLS released in September, which break down the terms of each player's deal.

The players whose options are declined will become free agents.

The Crew signed forward Max Arfsten to a three-year contract extension in October.

Midfielder Max Arfsten had his contract extended on Oct. 16. He was re-signed for three seasons, with a club option for 2028.

Forward Alex Matan and goalkeeper Evan Bush are set to have their contracts expire without club options. To retain their services, the Crew have to sign them to a new contract.

The expiration of Matan's contract opens a U22 slot for Columbus, although of the three U22 spots each club is given, Columbus was only using two for Matan and forward Marino Hinestroza , who is currently on loan to Colombia 's Atletico Nacional.