Liverpool born Higdon was offered a new one-year deal but had been told he would find himself down the pecking order behind the likes of Luke Varney, Ryan Lowe and Nicky Maynard.
Gradi told the Official Crewe website crewealex.net: "Having spoken to Michael about a new contract it has become apparent that he wants a fresh start somewhere else and will move on in the summer. I think he believes it is the right time for him to move on.
"I've said that we would be happy for Michael to stay with us, because we believe in his ability and maybe one day, the penny will drop for him and he will become more consistent.
"He is a terrific lad and has a very strong character. I'm sure that the crowd reaction to him would have been a factor, but it wouldn't have been a major influence on his decision.
"I just think he wants to play regularly somewhere and with Maynard and Varney, he knows that he is not going to be in my starting line-up here."
Higdon has had a torrid time with the boo boys in recent months and looked to have won them win goals in the league wins over Doncaster Rovers and Huddersfield Town.
23-year-old Higdon came through the academy ranks and played in the midfield but an eye for goal and his height made the staff work on him as a striker. Higdon made his debut back in 2003 when he came on as an 88th min sub in Crewe's 3-1 win over Crystal Palace.
He made his first start two weeks later in Crewe's 3-2 home defeat against Wigan, he grabbed his first goal in April 2004 in a 3-1 win against Coventry City. Overall Higdon made 81 appearances for the club although many of them came off the subs bench and with that he bagged 10 goal.
Higdon's age will mean that Crewe will be entitled to compensation fee due to him coming through the youth ranks. No doubt a few clubs will be interested in his services with Wrexham in the past wanting to take on loan. One club in League One has already expressed a desire to sign Higdon.
Date of birth | 3 September 1983 | Height | 6.0 |
Place of birth | Liverpool, England | Weight | 12.8 |
Nationality | England | Position | Midfield |
Comments | Squad No. | 10 |
Recent Career History By Club (1999 onwards) | ||||||
Team | Debut | Apps (+ sub) | Goals | Yellows | Reds | |
| 09/12/2003 | 39 (48) | 9 | 5 | 0 | ||
Recent Career History By Season (1999 onwards) | ||||||
Season | First App. | Apps (+ sub) | Goals | Yellows | Reds | |
| 05/08/2006 | 14 (14) | 2 | 1 | 0 | ||
| 06/08/2005 | 16 (11) | 3 | 4 | 0 | ||
| 07/08/2004 | 1 (20) | 3 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 09/12/2003 | 8 (3) | 1 | 0 | 0 | ||
Appearances 39 (+ 48 as sub); Goals 9; Yellow cards 5; Red cards 0 | ||||||