It was a bit of a welcomed surprise for many Columbus Crew SC fans when the team announced the trade of Tony Tchani plus allocation money to the Vancouver Whitecaps for Kekuta Manneh.
The 22-year-old winger had already managed 22 goals over his first four season in Major League Soccer and gave the Black & Gold another explosive weapon on the wing.
But there was also a reason the Whitecaps were willing to part with such a promising, young player, and it didn’t have all to do with what the club received in return.