Transfer Twist: Wessam Abou Ali Faces Shock Setback at Columbus Crew

Palestinian star may leave MLS without playing a single match

Transfer Twist: Wessam Abou Ali Faces Shock Setback at Columbus Crew

Wessam Abou Ali, the high profile Palestinian striker who joined Columbus Crew from Egypt’s Al Ahly, is facing unexpected crisis that could force him out before making his debut.

Trabzonspor Move Looms Amid Registration Trouble

Reports from Turkish outlet Kuzey Ekspres revealed that Trabzonspor are in advanced talks to sign the 26 year old on loan. The move comes after Columbus Crew failed to register him due to MLS salary cap restrictions.

Abou Ali signed for the American club in summer 2025 for 7.5 million dollar becoming one of the biggest Arab transfers of the window. But surprisingly, he's yet to feature in any MLS matches as the club must first release player to free up space on their roster.

"TRABZONSPOR'A FİLİSTİNLİ GOLCÜ"

Trabzonspor’un, Filistinli golcü Wessam Abou Ali için devreye girdiği öne sürüldü.https://t.co/JfCvtxTb35’a göre bordo-mavililer, MLS ekibi Columbus Crew’de forma giyen Abou Ali’yi kiralamak istiyor. pic.twitter.com/iUlFUuDQT7

— Kuzey Ekspres (@Kuzeyekspres61) August 2, 2025

Before the move Abou Ali'd stellar season with Al Ahly scoring 38 goal and providing 10 assist in 60 appearances. He was crowned Egyptian Premier League top scorer for the 2023 /24 campaign.

What’s Next?

Unless Columbus resolve their registration issues swiftly, the forward could be headed to Turkey on loan marking sudden detour in what was expected to be breakout MLS campaign.