Columbus Crew sign Azerbaijan forward Nariman Akhundzada

21-year-old international joins MLS club on long-term deal

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Columbus Crew have acquired 21-year-old forward Nariman Akhundzada from Azerbaijani club Qarabağ FK. Akhundzada, an Azerbaijan international, has signed a contract with the Crew through June 2029 and will occupy a U22 Initiative and international roster slot.

Why it matters

The signing of the young Azerbaijani forward Nariman Akhundzada is an important move for the Columbus Crew as they look to bolster their attacking options and add more international talent to their roster. Akhundzada's technical abilities and work rate are expected to complement the Crew's style of play.

The details

Akhundzada, who has already gained valuable experience domestically in Azerbaijan, at the European level, and with the Azerbaijan national team, will bring a different skillset to the Crew's attack. The club's general manager Issa Tall expressed excitement about Akhundzada's potential development with the team.

  • The transfer was announced on February 10, 2026.

The players

Nariman Akhundzada

A 21-year-old forward from Azerbaijan who has joined the Columbus Crew on a contract through June 2029.

Issa Tall

The general manager of the Columbus Crew who commented on the team's acquisition of Nariman Akhundzada.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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.”

— Issa Tall, General Manager, Columbus Crew (mlssoccer.com)

The takeaway

The signing of the young Azerbaijani forward Nariman Akhundzada represents an important investment by the Columbus Crew in adding international talent and diversifying their attacking options as they look to compete at the highest levels of MLS.