Report: Tim Bezbatchenko to Columbus Crew?

We learned today, officially, that Columbus Crew SC will be staying in Ohio, with new ownership taking over the club from January 1, 2019. That's great news for Crew supporters, and likely for MLS fans in general.

On top of that, though, an article in the Columbus Dispatch suggested that Crew SC will be making some major management changes. It suggests that current Toronto FC general manager Tim Bezbatchenko, an Ohio native, could be named Columbus’ next GM.

Bez has been at TFC since 2013, overseeing the acquisition of pretty much every player on the current roster. He was instrumental in building the squad that won the treble in 2017, and for kickstarting the era that allowed them to do so. He and Greg Vanney were rewarded with long-term contract extensions at TFC back in 2017.

Bezbatchenko is not the only name that's been floated for the vacant position of Columbus GM, with Bruce Arena popping up from as long ago as early December.

This rumour is a huge shock, quite frankly, as it seemed Bezbatchenko was firmly committed to helping the Reds bounce back from a tough 2018. Honestly, it still seems a little to abrupt for this to be true, and it's hard to imagine the move would be a step up for him. Still, it's MLS, and weirder things have happened.