Nearly a year to date, as rumblings of an Investor-Operator Group change echoed throughout, the Crew's relocation saga appeared to be coming to a resolution, and with that, a refreshing breath of air but also frantic sense of urgency for what was to come in 2019.
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Fast forward 12 months and the Black & Gold supporters have witnessed the implementation of a new coaching staff, a restored and expanded technical staff and Front Office, and of course, a number of player acquisitions.
Among others, there arrived Eloy Roomand Luis Diaz. Then came the Darlington Nagbeannouncement. Now, a day after the signing of veteran centerback Vito Wormgoor, the Columbus Crew added Lucas Zelarayanfrom Tigres UANL for a club-record acquisition transfer fee -- all part of a the same thread showcasing the Investor-Operator Group's willingness to embrace a new era for Major League Soccer as increased investment in product quality is at an all-time high.
For a historic club like the Crew, the acquisition of Zelarayan is unprecedented, and yes, it is a testament to ownership's willingness and drive to be unrelenting in its pursuit for championship contention, starting now.
"The addition of Lucas Zelarayan is a major step forward for this Club because it symbolizes the investment that our owners are willing to make in order to elevate this club to new heights," said President and General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko.
After making the playoffs in four of the last five seasons prior to last season, the setback in 2019 meant, among other specific initiatives, the Crew had the general outset of getting deeper at every position come 2020.
Whether it was for a difference-maker or a depth option, the Club has been on top of the ball when it comes to player acquisition this offseason, with the roster sitting at 23 players currently after a 2019 season that saw the ushering in of a new ownership group, front office leadership group, and coaching staff nearly six weeks before Opening Match.
Now, with ground scouts active and personnel priorities established, due diligence has been conducted at every level. With the backing of a committed leadership structure, Zelarayan's introduction to the Black & Gold is in a way familiar (another Argentine No. 10), but overall, unmatched from the Club's prior 24 years of playing days.
"We all know that Columbus is the first club in Major League Soccer and has won many titles over the years, but over the last few years you’ve seen that the league is changing and you need to invest in the product quality and you need to have difference-makers," Bezbatchenko said. "And for us to be able to land Lucas from one of the top, if not the top club in Mexico over the last 10 years is a significant milestone."
Zelarayan arrives after three-plus seasons with one of Mexico's top clubs and brings a pedigree that shows adaptability to different leagues, particularly with success against MLS teams, and proven championship-caliber play.
For the Black & Gold supporters, Zelarayan's arrival should build as much excitement for the on-the-pitch product as what initiatives are happening beyond the pitch as well, including the Club's new planned training facility and Downtown Stadium, the latter of which is set to open in the summer of 2021.
In short, it is a unique moment in the Club's history for a lot of reasons, and fans have little reason to be short of excitement.
"With Lucas’s purchase, this is the biggest transfer by-and-far we have ever had at this club," said Technical Director Pat Onstad.
"It is an enormous investment from the ownership group, and two things; I think it shows the fans that the ownership group believes the fans deserve these types of players - that is number one. And I think number two, it shows that the ownership group believes in what we are trying to do here as a club," Onstad continued.
Accountability starts at the top, and judging by the trajectory of the club heading into the 2020 season, the belief is there; from ownership to the Front Office, and from the coaching staff to the players.
"From Tim and Caleb on how hard they are working and what they are trying to do to make this team better, [the Investor-Operator Group] believes in those guys and I think by them saying, ‘Listen, you can invest in these type of players,’ I think it’s fantastic and it’s also where the league is going," Onstad said.
"If you want to stay up with these type of teams...the teams that are spending big money on transfers, I think you have to compete and it’s clear our ownership group wants to do that."
