COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The Columbus Crew on Thursday acquired forward Aliyu Ibrahim in a trade with the Houston Dynamo.

In return, the Crew are sending $450,000 to Houston, which could be worth up to $750,000 with performance-based incentives. Ibrahim, a 23-year-old Nigerian striker, is under contract through the 2025 MLS season and includes options for 2026 and 2027.

“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,” General Manager Issa Tall said in a statement. “We are excited to welcome Aliyu to Columbus and look forward to integrating him into our squad.”

After playing in the Croatian league for three seasons with Lokomotiva Zagreb, Ibrahim was signed by the Houston Dynamo in 2023. He helped the Dynamo win the 2023 U.S. Open Cup with three goals in five games.

Ibrahim scored six goals and played in all 34 MLS regular season games in 2024 with the Dynamo. While he has appeared as a right winger mostly, he has experience playing on the left wing and as a striker.

The Black & Gold begin a two-game homestand on Saturday night when they take on the San Jose Earthquakes at Lower.com Field. The following Saturday, the Crew will host the top team in the East, Charlotte FC.