If you value a steady midfielder who keeps the tempo and holds possession under pressure, you’ll probably appreciate what A. Sejdić brings to the Columbus Crew. He reads the game with real precision, connects passes with purpose, and adds a sense of balance to one of MLS’s most organized squads.
Wearing number 14, Sejdić has quietly become a crucial part of the Crew’s structure.
His background at the University of Maryland shaped his calm, technical style. The journey through CF Montréal, Atlanta United, and Nashville SC gave him the experience to handle just about any midfield scenario.
Each stop along the way built his understanding of movement, spacing, and control. That’s the foundation of his play now.
Columbus picked him up for the 2025 season via MLS free agency. Sejdić’s experience and adaptability give the Crew a dependable midfield option who can influence games—no need for the spotlight.
A. Sejdić’s Role at Columbus Crew
You see Amar Sejdić in the number 14 shirt, anchoring the Crew midfield with calm decisions and steady control. His time at Maryland and across several MLS clubs gave him the poise to manage tempo, connect lines, and fit right into a possession-based system.
Columbus Crew Midfield Structure
The Crew’s midfield usually operates as a three-man unit. They blend control, coverage, and a bit of creativity.
Wilfried Nancy’s system relies on midfielders who can rotate roles without losing shape. Sejdić fits that need easily.
He often partners with Darlington Nagbe and Sean Zawadzki. Together, they form the central triangle that sets the rhythm.
When Nagbe pushes forward, Sejdić drops deeper to shield the back line. When the Crew press up, he steps in to cut off passing lanes.
His positional intelligence keeps things tight and connected. You rarely catch him out of place, even when matches get stretched.
That discipline lets the Crew keep possession and recover quickly if they lose it.
| Position | Primary Role | Partner Rotation |
|---|---|---|
| Central Midfielder | Deep-lying playmaker | Nagbe, Zawadzki |
| Defensive Midfielder | Shield for back four | Morris, Moreira |
| Linking Midfielder | Transition connector | Matan, Rossi |
Key Contributions in the 2025 MLS Season
In the 2025 MLS season, Sejdić has become a go-to option for Columbus. You can spot his impact through consistent minutes and reliable performances, even if he’s not racking up goals.
He’s logged double-digit starts and a few assists, showing off his passing range and defensive work. In the rivalry win over FC Cincinnati, his passing accuracy topped 90 percent and helped lock down the tempo late.
Sejdić stands out for his defensive recoveries and ball retention. He doesn’t force risky passes—he just recycles possession and keeps Columbus in control.
That kind of reliability lets Nancy rotate younger players without breaking the Crew’s structure.
| Stat | Total |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 18 |
| Starts | 10 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Passing Accuracy | 89% |
| Yellow Cards | 2 |
Tactical Integration and Playing Philosophy
Sejdić gets what Nancy wants from his midfielders. The Crew build up patiently, and Sejdić thrives in that rhythm.
He moves the ball quickly, supports short triangles, and reads pressure before it even arrives.
His time with CF Montréal, Atlanta United, and Nashville SC gave him a sense for different tactical systems. That experience helps him adapt to Nancy’s positional play, where you’ve got to anticipate movement.
He also brings a European influence from his youth days in Germany and the Netherlands. That mix of composure and work rate really fits MLS’s pace.
Every time he takes a touch, scans, and plays that simple pass, you see how he keeps Columbus ticking.
For more on his signing and contract, check out the official Columbus Crew announcement.
Player Profile: Amar Sejdić
You get a midfielder who values precision, patience, and consistency. His career shows steady growth from college soccer to MLS, and he’s become a key part of the Crew’s midfield core.
Personal Background and Early Life
Amar Sejdić was born on November 29, 1996, in Berlin, Germany, and raised in the United States. His multicultural background shaped both his outlook and his playing style.
His early years abroad gave him a technical edge, while time in the U.S. helped him adapt to a faster, more physical game.
He developed through youth academies like Real Salt Lake’s U-18 team and Vitesse’s youth program in the Netherlands. These stops taught him discipline and tactical awareness before college.
At the University of Maryland, he played four seasons with the Maryland Terrapins and helped them win the 2018 NCAA Championship. His leadership and composure in midfield caught the eye of pro scouts and set him up for MLS.
Playing Style and Strengths
Sejdić plays as a central midfielder who values control over chaos. He reads the game well, keeps possession under pressure, and connects play from back to front.
His calmness on the ball lets teammates trust him in tight spots.
He doesn’t rely on flair. He depends on timing and smart positioning.
His short passing and ability to switch play make him a steady presence in the middle third. Coaches notice his tactical discipline and work rate, even if casual fans might not.
Key Attributes:
- Passing accuracy and composure
- Positional awareness
- Tactical intelligence
- Ball recovery and transition play
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Position | Central Midfielder |
| Height | 5’10” |
| Weight | 159 lbs |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Current Club | Columbus Crew |
Jersey Number 14 Significance
Sejdić wears number 14 for the Columbus Crew, a number that often means balance and creativity in midfield. It suits his approach—practical, efficient, and focused on the team.
He joined the Crew in 2025 through MLS free agency, signing a contract through 2025 with a club option for 2026, according to MLSsoccer.com.
The number fits his role as a connector, linking defense and attack without needing the spotlight.
For Sejdić, number 14 means consistency. You see it in how he positions himself, keeps rhythm in possession, and quietly supports teammates every match.
Midfield Versatility and Positions
Amar Sejdić gives Columbus Crew a steady mix of control and discipline in midfield. His knack for shifting between central and defensive roles helps balance the team’s possession game and defensive shape.
Central Midfield Responsibilities
You’ll most often see Sejdić in central midfield, linking defense to attack with short, accurate passes. His calm touch and quick decisions keep the Crew’s rhythm steady, especially when games get tight.
He picked up a lot of that composure at Maryland, where he played four solid collegiate seasons. That background shows in how he reads pressure and helps teammates in transition.
He doesn’t force risky plays. He focuses on spacing and movement, opening lanes for playmakers like Darlington Nagbe.
His passing accuracy usually sits around 87–89%, which says a lot about his reliability.
Key 2025 Central Midfield Stats
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Pass Accuracy | 88% |
| Key Passes | 23 |
| Tackles Won | 41 |
| Minutes Played | 1,535 |
When the Crew build from the back, you’ll notice Sejdić checking into pockets, offering simple outlets, and recycling possession. His positioning keeps things stable in the center of the field.
Defensive Midfield Attributes
When the Crew need more structure, Sejdić slides into a defensive midfield role. You can see his awareness as he tracks runners and shields the back line.
He reads passing lanes well, intercepting plays before they develop. That anticipation lets fullbacks push higher without leaving gaps.
His defensive work is more about timing than brute force. He stays compact, communicates, and knows when to drop or step up.
In transition, he wins the ball cleanly and distributes it quickly. That balance between defense and distribution keeps the Crew organized.
For a team that values possession and control, Sejdić’s ability to move between central and defensive midfield gives Columbus Crew tactical flexibility and consistency across long MLS stretches.
Professional Career Milestones
You can trace Amar Sejdić’s MLS path by how he adapted to each club’s system. His time with CF Montréal, Atlanta United, and Nashville SC shows a steady climb built on technical skill and reliability.
MLS Career Path and Teams
CF Montréal picked Sejdić in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft after his standout career at Maryland. In college, he notched 20 goals and 14 assists, plus a clutch penalty in the 2018 NCAA title match.
He made his pro debut with Montréal (then the Montreal Impact), playing 22 regular-season games from 2019 to 2021. His ability to control tempo and distribute under pressure earned him minutes in league and playoff games.
By 2025, Sejdić joined the Columbus Crew through MLS free agency, signing a one-year deal with a club option for 2026, as the team’s official announcement confirms.
He wears number 14 and fills a veteran role, providing tactical flexibility and some quiet leadership in central midfield.
| Year | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–2021 | CF Montréal | 22 | 2 | 0 |
| 2021–2023 | Atlanta United | 56 | 0 | 3 |
| 2024 | Nashville SC | 17 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025– | Columbus Crew | — | — | — |
Stints with Atlanta United and Nashville SC
When Sejdić moved to Atlanta United in July 2021, he entered a system built on possession and quick transitions. His patience and positioning improved as he logged 56 league appearances and three assists through 2023.
Atlanta valued his consistency, often using him as the link between defense and attack. His sense of spacing helped stabilize matches when the tempo shifted.
In 2024, Sejdić played for Nashville SC, making 17 appearances. The club leaned on his experience to balance a midfield built around defensive structure.
He didn’t score but offered reliable ball retention and short passing accuracy that kept Nashville’s rhythm steady during tough stretches.
Experience at CF Montréal and Ottawa Fury
Before Amar Sejdić made his MLS debut, he spent time with CF Montréal and took on a developmental stint with Ottawa Fury, which served as Montréal’s USL affiliate. You could watch him sharpen his tactical awareness there, getting used to the physical pace of the pro game.
At Montréal, he scored twice in 22 league games and chipped in with an assist during the playoffs. He linked up with Rudy Camacho to set up Romell Quioto’s equalizer in a 2020 playoff match—a moment that really showed his composure.
Sejdić grew steadily with the Impact organization. He built a reputation for his clean first touch, steady vision, and ability to read the field. Those traits later made him a reliable option for Atlanta, Nashville, and now Columbus.
For more about his signing and background, check out the Columbus Crew’s player profile.
Youth Development and Early Career
It’s pretty clear that Amar Sejdić’s early years shaped the midfielder you see today in Columbus Crew colors. His journey runs from Berlin’s intense soccer scene to the structured youth systems in the United States. That’s where he built the foundation that carried him through college at Maryland and eventually into Major League Soccer.
Beginnings in Berlin and Move to the United States
Born in Berlin, Germany, Sejdić grew up with soccer all around him. You can imagine him learning on those small neighborhood pitches, where technical skill and quick decisions mattered more than size or speed. That early exposure built up his comfort on the ball and his ability to read the game.
When his family moved to the United States during his childhood, he had to adjust in a big way. The new environment brought more opportunities but also a different pace and style of play. Sejdić adapted pretty quickly, mixing European technique with American athleticism.
| Birthplace | Moved To | Approx. Age | Early Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berlin, Germany | United States | 7–10 | Ball control, vision, passing accuracy |
Those early years gave him a balanced approach—calm under pressure, sharp in possession, and confident directing play from midfield.
United 1996 FC and Derby City Rovers
Sejdić’s name first pops up in youth soccer circles through United 1996 FC in Louisville, Kentucky. The club focused on disciplined training and tactical structure. He refined his positioning and passing range there, and coaches appreciated his consistency and ability to turn simple plays into attacking moves.
Later, he joined the Derby City Rovers in the Premier Development League (PDL). That move exposed him to older, more physical competition. Facing college-level players every week forced him to think faster and protect the ball better.
| Club | League | Key Development Focus |
|---|---|---|
| United 1996 FC | Youth | Tactical awareness, short passing |
| Derby City Rovers | Premier Development League | Physicality, game tempo, leadership |
By the time he reached the University of Maryland, Sejdić already played with the poise of a seasoned midfielder.
Vitesse Youth Team and Real Salt Lake Academy
Before turning pro, Sejdić gained valuable experience both abroad and in MLS academies. He trained with the Vitesse Youth Team in the Netherlands, where sessions focused on movement, spacing, and technical precision. You can spot the Dutch influence in his one-touch passing and positional discipline.
When he returned to the U.S., he joined the Real Salt Lake Academy, one of the country’s top youth programs. Competing in a professional-style setup got him ready for college and, eventually, MLS.
| Academy | Country | Training Emphasis |
|---|---|---|
| Vitesse Youth Team | Netherlands | Tactical spacing, first touch |
| Real Salt Lake Academy | United States | Transition play, defensive shape |
That mix of European and American development gave Sejdić a complete skill set—technical control, tactical awareness, and composure. You see those same traits now when he anchors Columbus Crew’s midfield.
Collegiate Achievements and Honors
Sejdić’s college years at the University of Maryland really shaped his career. That experience built his technical base, sharpened his leadership, and gave him the platform to move into Major League Soccer.
Maryland Terrapins and NCAA Success
At Maryland, Sejdić grew into a dependable midfielder over four seasons with the Terrapins. He helped them win the 2018 NCAA College Cup, showing he could lead under pressure.
He started nearly every match, often captaining the team by his senior year. His calm play in tight spots and knack for controlling tempo made him central to Maryland’s possession style.
In the 2018 final, he scored the decisive goal against Akron, clinching the national title. That moment defined his college career and made pro scouts take notice.
| Season | Matches Played | Goals | Assists | Honors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–2018 | 82 | 22 | 14 | NCAA Champion (2018) |
His consistency and work ethic stood out in a program famous for producing MLS talent.
Big Ten Best XI Recognition
Sejdić’s rise shows in his Big Ten Best XI selections. Coaches across the conference noticed his steady influence and technical skill. He earned those honors in multiple seasons, proving he wasn’t just a one-year wonder.
During conference play, Sejdić often dictated the rhythm in midfield. His passing and defensive positioning helped Maryland control possession against top Big Ten rivals.
That recognition reflected not just stats, but also his leadership in big games. It’s rare for a midfielder to combine creativity and discipline at that level, but Sejdić pulled it off.
Those Big Ten accolades confirmed he belonged among the league’s best.
Impact in College Soccer
Sejdić’s influence went beyond stats. He became a model for how a central midfielder should read the game and link play. Maryland’s system relied on quick transitions, and he made that possible with smart distribution.
His vision and awareness let younger teammates play with confidence. Coaches trusted him to manage tempo and close out games.
Sejdić’s four-year run in college soccer left a lasting mark on the Maryland program. His leadership, technical precision, and composure under pressure set the standard for future Terrapins midfielders.
He left College Park ready for the demands of pro play—a natural step after years of proving himself in one of the country’s toughest conferences.
MLS SuperDraft and Professional Entry
Sejdić’s rise from college standout to MLS regular came through patience, skill, and good timing. Those early years built the foundation for a career marked by steady progress and adaptability across several clubs.
2019 MLS SuperDraft Selection
The 2019 MLS SuperDraft really changed things for Sejdić. After four years at the University of Maryland and a national title in 2018, he entered the draft with a reputation for vision and composure.
CF Montréal, then called the Montreal Impact, picked him in the second round. That moment turned college promise into a professional opportunity. You could see why teams liked his technical ability and calm under pressure.
He joined a roster that needed tactical awareness and quick decision-making. For a midfielder, those traits mattered more than flash. Sejdić’s college experience and leadership at Maryland made him a good fit for a possession-oriented system.
| Draft Year | Team Selected | Round | College | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Montreal Impact | 2nd | Maryland | Midfielder |
That draft class produced several long-term MLS contributors. Sejdić belongs among them—a player who earned his place through reliability, not hype.
Transition to Professional Soccer
Sejdić adjusted to the pro level pretty fast. In his debut season with CF Montréal, he played in league and Canadian Championship matches, showing the same poise that marked his college career.
He learned to handle the faster pace and physical demands of MLS. Coaches trusted him in big moments, including the CONCACAF Champions League, where he showed strong positional discipline.
His early seasons set him up for later moves to Atlanta United and Nashville SC, which expanded his tactical range. By the time he joined the Columbus Crew as a free agent, Sejdić had already proved he could fit into different systems and work with various managers.
His ability to read the game, stay composed, and link play from deep midfield became his calling card.
Statistical Highlights and Performance Metrics
Sejdić’s value shows up in his steady control of midfield and the consistent minutes he logs for Columbus Crew. The numbers show a player who keeps the ball moving, supports both ends of the pitch, and adds depth to a team built on possession and discipline.
Goals and Assists Record
You won’t find Sejdić at the top of the scoring charts, but his influence goes deeper. In the 2025 MLS season, he played 15 matches and recorded 0 goals and 0 assists, according to FootyStats.
He focuses on short, crisp passes and transitional play. His completion rate stays strong, helping the Crew keep tempo in tight matches. The 28-year-old midfielder does most of his work before the final pass, setting up sequences that lead to chances.
Here’s a quick look at his attacking output:
| Season | Club | Matches | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Columbus Crew | 15 | 0 | 0 | 900+ |
| 2024 | Columbus Crew | 22 | 1 | 2 | 1,400+ |
He might not light up the scoreboard, but his role as a connector gives Columbus balance and rhythm. You notice his value most when he’s out, not when he’s scoring.
Season-by-Season Performance
You can really track Sejdić’s growth since he joined the Crew in 2024. Before that, he made stops with Atlanta United and CF Montréal.
His days at the University of Maryland shaped his calm style and gave him that tactical edge. Those traits still show up in his play, honestly.
On Transfermarkt, his market value hovers around €400k. That feels about right, considering how reliable and experienced he’s become in MLS.
In 2024, he got more involved in the buildup. But in 2025, you’ll notice he’s focused more on defensive positioning and winning the ball back.
| Season | Competition | Appearances | Yellow Cards | Red Cards | Market Value (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | MLS | 15 | 2 | 0 | 400k |
| 2024 | MLS | 22 | 3 | 0 | 400k |
Sejdić steps in to fill gaps and closes off passing lanes when the team needs it. He usually keeps possession, even when opponents press hard.
His stats might not jump off the page, but you know what? Coaches trust him, and that’s not something you see in every player.
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