Confirmed : MLS club Columbus Crew loan in Real Zaragoza's Nigerian midfielder

Published: January 27, 2022

Through their official website, Major League Soccer club Columbus Crew have announced the acquisition of versatile Nigerian midfielder James Igbekeme on loan from Spanish Segunda Division club Real Zaragoza.

The 26-year-old will spend the entirety of the 2022 MLS season at Columbus Crew who have retained a purchase option after the player's loan deal expires in December 2022.

Igbekeme will occupy an international roster spot pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate.

He started his career at All-Stars FC Effurun at Uvwie LGA of Delta State and was a teammate of Super Eagles star Oghenekaro Etebo at Warri Wolves Feeders.

Prior to his move to Spain in June 2018, he wore the colours of Portuguese sides Ribeirão, Oliveirense and Gil Vicente.

In three and a half seasons at Real Zaragoza, Igbekeme has scored four goals and provided six assists in 104 appearances across all competitions.

Columbus Crew begin the MLS season with a home game against Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday, February 26.

Igho Kingsley

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