Official: Columbus Crew sign ex-Flying Eagles star who loves Real Madrid and adores Kylian Mbappe

Columbus Crew have officially signed Nigerian forward Aliyu Ibrahim from Houston Dynamo in a deal worth up to $1.2 million, Footynaija.com reports.

The 23-year-old joins the Crew in exchange for $450,000 in guaranteed money, with an additional $750,000 in performance-related add-ons. As part of the agreement, Houston Dynamo retain a sell-on clause should the player be transferred in the future.

Ibrahim, a former Nigeria U20 international, will occupy a U-22 Initiative roster slot and is under contract through the 2025 Major League Soccer season, with options extending to 2026 and 2027.

Sources: Columbus Crew acquire Ibrahim Aliyu from the Houston Dynamo.

Aliyu, 23, scored 6 goals last year.

Good for both sides. Aliyu gets change of scenery, adds to options for Crew. Houston get some GAM. pic.twitter.com/MQuq3rliDz

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) April 24, 2025

Crew General Manager Issa Tall welcomed the signing, saying: “Aliyu is a young and dynamic player whose experience in MLS and on the international stage adds valuable depth and gives us another quality attacking option. We are excited to welcome him to Columbus.”

Ibrahim made a strong impression in his debut season with Houston Dynamo in 2023, featuring in 24 regular-season matches and contributing three goals and three assists.

He also played in four playoff games, helping the side reach the Western Conference Final. In the U.S. Open Cup, he notched three goals in five appearances, including a memorable brace against Chicago Fire in the quarterfinal.

Before his MLS move, Ibrahim spent three years with NK Lokomotiva Zagreb in Croatia, scoring 17 goals and registering seven assists in 84 appearances. He made his professional debut at 18.

Off the pitch, the Kano-born striker is an admirer of Real Madrid and cites French star Kylian Mbappé as his football idol.

Internationally, Ibrahim represented Nigeria at the 2019 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, earning four caps as the Flying Eagles reached the semi-finals.