Vancouver Whitecaps trading Julian Gressel to Columbus Crew: Sources

The Columbus Crew is finalizing a deal to acquire U.S. international midfielder Julian Gressel in a trade from the Vancouver Whitecaps, sources involved in the deal tell The Athletic.

Gressel, 29, has been a standout for the Whitecaps this season with three goals and five assists in 18 appearances (16 starts). He is in the final year of his contract and was aiming to return to the East Coast. He previously played for Atlanta United and D.C. United in his career after starring at Providence College in Rhode Island.

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Vancouver made Gressel a strong offer for a new contract, and though the player had a good time in Vancouver, his family’s preference to be on the East Coast meant the two sides couldn’t agree to a new deal. When Columbus made an acceptable offer, Vancouver looped Gressel into the process.

When Gressel was originally acquired by Vancouver from D.C. United, he said he didn’t find out until the deal was already done as D.C. didn’t authorize Vancouver to speak to Gressel or his agent.

Gressel won an MLS Cup in 2018 and the U.S. Open Cup in 2019 with Atlanta as well as back-to-back Canadian Championships with Vancouver.

A natural wingback, Gressel is likely to play on the right flank in Wilfried Nancy’s back three, a position where he can constantly attack. Gressel is regarded as the best crosser in MLS. He has played central midfield for Vancouver this season, as he did at times in Atlanta, adding further options for Nancy.

Columbus’ high-flying attack, led by Cucho Hernandez, Lucas Zelarayan and Christian Ramirez, will get more quality service with Gressel.

The German-born Gressel received his United States citizenship last winter and has made four caps with the USMNT. He featured at the Gold Cup this