The Columbus Crew has acquired forward Nariman Akhundzada from Qarabağ FK of the Azerbaijan Premier League, the club announced Tuesday. The 21-year-old player has signed a contract through June 2029 and will fill an international roster spot utilizing the U22 Initiative.
A Proven Track Record
Akhundzada joins the Crew with a strong resume, having recorded 35 goals and 17 assists in 127 appearances for Qarabağ since his debut during the 2022-23 season. He also has experience in both the UEFA Champions League and Europa League competitions.
On the international stage, Akhundzada has earned 13 caps with the Azerbaijan Men’s National Team, including five starts in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
What In other words for the Crew
Crew General Manager Issa Tall expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “Nariman brings a different skillset that will add another dimension to our team. His technical abilities, combined with his work rate, will align well with our style of play.” Tall also highlighted Akhundzada’s experience, noting his valuable experience at both the domestic and international levels.
The Crew will open their 2026 season on February 21 with an away match against the Portland Timbers, scheduled for 10:30 pm ET and broadcast on Apple TV.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the U22 Initiative?
The U22 Initiative is a Major League Soccer program that allows teams to sign young players without impacting their international roster spots.
How many appearances did Akhundzada make for Qarabağ?
Akhundzada totaled 127 appearances for Qarabağ FK across all competitions.
Has Akhundzada played for the Azerbaijan national team?
Yes, Akhundzada has made 13 appearances for the Azerbaijan Men’s National Team.
As Akhundzada integrates into the team, it will be interesting to see how his skillset complements the existing Crew roster and contributes to their performance in the upcoming season.
