Columbus Crew Signs Anass Zaroury on Loan
The Columbus Crew has made a significant addition to their squad just before the closure of Major League Soccer's Secondary Transfer Window, securing the services of Anass Zaroury on loan from Panathinaikos FC, a prominent club in the Greek Super League. This deal will see Zaroury remain with the Crew through the 2027 MLS season, with the club retaining an option to finalize the transfer on a permanent basis.
At just 25 years old, Zaroury brings a wealth of experience from various European leagues to the Crew. Throughout his career, he has played in five different countries, showcasing his skills and adaptability. The midfielder will take up an international roster spot and is set to join the team pending the approval of his P-1 Visa.
In the words of Crew General Manager Issa Tall, "Anass is a technical and audacious player who offers additional creativity and experience to our roster. He has showcased his skillset at various leagues in Europe, and we’re excited to welcome Anass to the Black & Gold.” This sentiment underscores the club's strategic move to enhance their midfield capabilities as the season progresses.
Zaroury's Impressive Track Record
Zaroury has made a notable impact during his time at Panathinaikos, where he featured in 50 matches across all competitions, contributing eight goals and four assists. His performance included a remarkable hat trick in a UEFA Europa League match against BSC Young Boys from Switzerland on September 25, 2025, demonstrating his offensive prowess.
The Belgian-born player began his professional journey with Lommel SK and Sporting Charleroi in Belgium before making a significant move to Burnley FC in 2022. During his tenure with Burnley, he was instrumental in the club's promotion to the English Premier League, helping them achieve an impressive 101 points in the EFL Championship, marking the fifth-highest point total in the league's history. Over three seasons with Burnley, Zaroury made 49 appearances, scoring 10 goals and providing nine assists, which included a loan spell at Hull City AFC during the 2023-24 season.
Additionally, Zaroury spent the 2024-25 season with French club RC Lens, where he made 28 appearances, netting two goals and assisting three. On the international front, he initially represented Belgium at youth levels but later chose to play for Morocco at the senior level. His senior international debut came on November 17, 2022, against Georgia, and he played a part in Morocco’s remarkable journey to the third-place match at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he earned four caps for his national team.
As reported by cleveland.com.
