Four days after winning its second MLS Cup trophy, the Columbus Crew is already in offseason mode. Over the next several weeks, the Black & Gold will work hard to build the strongest roster possible to not only be able to defend its title in 2021 but also to make an impactful return to the CONCACAF Champions League after an absence of an entire decade.
The Crew has already announced its first squad moves with as many as nine players, including veterans like fullbacks Waylon Francis and Hector Jimenez, and decent contributors of its championship-winning campaign, such as winger Youness Mokhtar and goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell, either not having their contracts options picked up by the club or seeing their deals expire.