VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Friday that the club will receive up to $850,000 in Major League Soccer General Allocation Money (GAM) from Columbus Crew in exchange for midfielder Julian Gressel.
Vancouver will receive $275,000 in 2023 GAM, $275,000 in 2024 GAM and could also receive an additional $300,000 in conditional GAM spanning 2024-2026.
“Julian has been a consummate professional during his time here in Vancouver, we wish him and his family all the very best in their next chapter,” said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director. “Although Julian and his family enjoyed their time here, ultimately, they decided that in the long term they wanted to be closer to family and friends. For that reason, we were unable to come to an agreement on an extension.
“Our next step was to explore the best solution for all parties for both the short and long term, as this is the final window we can make this transfer. This week, we received a very good offer from Columbus, consulted Julian, and moved forward. This trade provides significant allocation money, opens up $125,000 in TAM, as well as $651,250 in salary budget, which will give us the opportunity to make the necessary adjustments so we can continue to play at a very high level and challenge for trophies this year and beyond.”
Since joining Vancouver in July 2022, Gressel helped the ‘Caps secure back-to-back Canadian Championship titles and started 31 of his 38 appearances across all competitions for the club, tallying seven goals, as well as nine assists.
Gressel received his first call-ups with the United States men’s national team during his time with Whitecaps FC, making his international debut in a friendly against Serbia on January 25. In total, Gressel has started two of his six appearances for the national side, recording two assists.
TRANSACTION: On July 21, 2023, Whitecaps FC acquire up to $850,000 in Major League Soccer General Allocation Money (GAM) from Columbus Crew in exchange for midfielder Julian Gressel. Vancouver will receive $275,000 in 2023 General Allocation Money (GAM), $275,000 in 2024 GAM and could also receive an additional $300,000 in conditional GAM spanning 2024-2026.
