Columbus, OH — The Columbus Crew have landed a new attacking threat, officially acquiring 23-year-old Nigerian forward Aliyu Ibrahim from Houston Dynamo FC in a trade worth $450,000, with up to $750,000 more in performance-based incentives.
Houston also retains a sell-on clause should Ibrahim be transferred in the future. The deal, finalized on April 24, 2025, secures Ibrahim through the 2025 MLS season with club options for 2026 and 2027.
Ibrahim will fill a U-22 Initiative roster slot, a move that reflects Columbus’s ongoing commitment to developing young, high-upside talent.
“Aliyu is a young and dynamic player whose experience in MLS and the international level adds valuable depth and gives us another quality attacking option,” said Crew GM Issa Tall. “We are excited to welcome Aliyu to Columbus and look forward to integrating him into our squad.”
Ibrahim made a solid impression during his debut MLS campaign in 2023, appearing in 24 regular-season matches (16 starts) with three goals and three assists. He played a key role in Houston’s playoff run to the Western Conference Final and impressed during the U.S. Open Cup, scoring three goals across five matches—including a standout brace in the quarterfinal win over Chicago Fire FC—as the Dynamo lifted their second Open Cup trophy.
The Nigerian forward built on that with an ironman showing in 2024, one of just 21 field players to appear in all 34 regular-season games. Starting 33 of those, he recorded six goals and five assists while helping Houston secure a second straight postseason berth.
Before arriving in MLS, Ibrahim spent three seasons at NK Lokomotiva Zagreb in Croatia’s top division, debuting at just 18 in October 2020. He amassed 17 goals and seven assists over 84 appearances in Europe.
Internationally, Ibrahim has featured for Nigeria’s U-20 national team, earning four caps, including appearances at the 2019 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations where the Super Eagles advanced to the semifinals.
With Ibrahim now added to their attacking arsenal, Columbus continue to sharpen their squad as they aim for a strong MLS campaign—and potentially more silverware.
Player Profile: Aliyu Ibrahim
Position: Forward
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 160 lbs.
Birthdate: January 16, 2002
Age: 23
Birthplace: Kano, Nigeria
Previous Club: Houston Dynamo FC
Acquisition: Trade on April 24, 2025
Contract: Through 2025 with options for 2026 and 2027
Roster Slot: U-22 Initiative
