Columbus Crew sign James Igbekeme on loan from Real Zaragoza
The Columbus Crew signed midfielder James Igbekeme on loan from Spanish Segunda División side Real Zaragoza for the 2022 Major League Soccer season. The MLS sides will retain a purchase option after the deal expires in December 2022.
Igbekeme will occupy an international roster spot.
“James is a versatile midfielder and his addition will help strengthen our roster,” Crew president & general manager Tim Bezbatchenko said in a release.
“He will provide us with another strong option in the midfield and his contributions will be seen on both sides of the ball. We look forward to welcoming James and his family to Columbus and look forward to incorporating him into our team."
⚡️ James Igbekeme ⚡️#Crew96 pic.twitter.com/IuBzRuJcFW
— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) January 26, 2022
The midfielder managed four goals in 96 league matches for Zaragoza across the last four seasons. He also featured for Portuguese sides Ribeirão, Oliveirense and Gil Vicente before heading to Spain.
Igbekeme stands as Columbus’ latest international signing after previously acquiring center back Milos Degenek as a free agent and forward Yaw Yeboah from Wisla Krakow this offseason.
The Columbus Crew returns to action on February 26 when the Crew host the Vancouver Whitecaps.