The Columbus Crew announced the signing of Palestinian international striker Wessam Abou Ali on Saturday for an undisclosed fee.
Various sources indicate that the MLS team invested $7.5 million to acquire the star from the Egyptian Premier League.
The 26-year-old Abou Ali will join the Crew as a designated player, with a contract set to run through 2028, which includes club options for that year.
“Wessam is a unique talent who embodies resilience, character, and an exceptional work ethic—qualities we value highly within our organization,” stated the club’s management. “He’s a proven goal scorer who understands what it takes to drive his team to victory. His precise finishing, high energy, and charismatic presence will enhance our squad, and we are confident he will excel in our system.”
Abou Ali played a crucial role in leading Al Ahly to back-to-back Egyptian Premier League championships in 2023-24 and 2024-25, finishing as the league’s top scorer with 18 goals. The team also claimed the Egyptian Super Cup in 2024 and the CAF Champions League in 2023-24.
With 38 goals and 10 assists across 60 matches in all competitions for Al Ahly, he notably netted a hat trick against FC Porto at the FIFA Club World Cup in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on June 23rd.
Originally from Denmark, Abou Ali represented his birth country at youth levels before switching allegiance to Palestine last year, netting four goals in 10 appearances during the 2026 World Cup qualifying rounds.
This report included information from field-level media.
Fan Take: The signing of Wessam Abou Ali highlights the growing talent pool in Major League Soccer, particularly with international players making their mark. For soccer fans, this move not only enhances the competitive landscape but also reflects the league’s ambition to attract top-tier talent, potentially elevating the overall quality of play and igniting local enthusiasm.
