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Columbus Crew sign U.S. U-17 player and former Crew Academy talent Taha Habroune to first team contract

Crew midfielder Taha Habroune (52) kicks the ball away from Pittsburgh Riverhounds forward Edward Kizza during a U.S. Open Cup match on May 24.
Crew midfielder Taha Habroune (52) kicks the ball away from Pittsburgh Riverhounds forward Edward Kizza during a U.S. Open Cup match on May 24.

Midfielder Taha Habroune, who joined the Crew Academy in 2019, signed with the Crew through 2027 with a club option for 2028.

Habroune, 17, was signed to an MLS Next Pro contract with Crew 2 on May 21 and made his first-team debut three days later in the Crew's U.S. Open Cup match against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. He appeared in 20 matches for Crew 2 in 2023. He also has youth international experience, collecting 11 caps with Team USA, the most recent being in the 2023 U-17 World Cup.

"I’ve always dreamt of this," Habroune said after signing his Crew 2 contract. "I’ve worked hard for a while, but I think most importantly, I’ve had the club and my family support me a lot."

Midfielder Taha Habroune, pictured with Crew general manager Tim Bezbatchenko (left) and Crew 2 general manager Corey Wray, signed with Crew 2 as the third player to join Crew 2 directly from the Crew Academy.
Midfielder Taha Habroune, pictured with Crew general manager Tim Bezbatchenko (left) and Crew 2 general manager Corey Wray, signed with Crew 2 as the third player to join Crew 2 directly from the Crew Academy.

Habroune is the 21st homegrown player to be signed by the Crew in club history. Habroune joins Aidan Morris, Sean Zawadzki and Keegan Hughes as current roster members who played for the academy.

"Taha is a talented young player who has continued to improve since joining our club five years ago," Crew president and general manager Tim Bezbatchenko said in a statement. "Signing a first team contract is a testament to his efforts and our Club’s commitment to creating opportunities to advance along our player pathway."

bmackay@dispatch.com

@brimackay15

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Crew sign Taha Habroune, former Crew Academy member, to three-year deal