By Mariana Smithfield
Aug. 20, 2024
COLUMBUS – Columbus Crew 2 have signed midfielder Ibrahima Sy to an MLS NEXT Pro contract for the remainder of the 2024 season.
“We’re thrilled for Ibrahima to join Crew 2 as we near the end of the NEXT Pro regular season and prepare for the playoffs,” said Director of Player Development Dan Lock. “We’ve seen him succeed in different roles at the Club and International levels and know he’ll be a dynamic addition to our attack. We look forward to helping Ibrahima unlock his potential as he grows within our system.”
“We’re excited to welcome Ibrahima to Columbus,” said Crew 2 Head Coach Kelvin Jones. “He’s a young player with a ton of potential, and we are optimistic to see what he will produce in the MLS NEXT Pro environment. Ibrahima brings a great attitude and unique experience to the game, and we are eager to have him continue to develop here within our environment.”
“I am extremely happy to join such a great organization that is known for giving opportunities to young players,” said Sy. “I trust the Club with this next step of my career, and I can’t wait to start playing and helping the team reach our collective goals.”
Sy joins Columbus Crew 2 from KVC Westerlo in Belgium, who loaned him to USL Dunkerque of France’s Ligue 2 on August 14, 2023. He played 235 minutes across six appearances while on loan through June 30, 2024, including a start in the Coupe de France. Prior to USL Dunkerque, Sy spent two seasons with Stoke City FC’s Under-21 team in England’s Premier League 2, logging 29 games from 2021 to 2022. The midfielder recorded his first career assist with Stoke City in the 1-0 win against Nottingham Forest U-21 on Oct. 18, 2021. Stoke City went on to the Premier League 2 finals.
Sy was also a member of the Stoke City’s U-18 Premier League team, where he logged 13 appearances and one goal. While with Stoke City’s U-18s, he competed in the FA Youth Cup in March 2021. Sy began his club career with French side Stade de Reims’ U-19 team, making one appearance in the Coupe Gambardella against Paris Saint-Germain on February 2, 2020, before being transferred to Stoke City in September.
At the international level, the 21-year-old represented Senegal at the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup, totaling 201 minutes across three appearances. He helped Senegal reach the knockout stage in the country’s first-ever U-17 World Cup appearance.
Crew 2 returns to action against Philadelphia Union II on Monday, Aug. 26 at Subaru Park in Chester, PA [6 p.m. ET / Apple TV – MLS Season Pass].
TRANSACTION: Columbus Crew 2 sign midfielder Ibrahima Sy to an MLS NEXT Pro professional contract on Aug. 20, 2024.
Name: Ibrahima Sy
Position: Midfielder
Date of Birth: Dec. 16, 2002
Hometown: Dakar, Senegal
Citizenship: Senegal
ABOUT COLUMBUS CREW 2
Columbus Crew 2 – Columbus Crew’s Second Team – compete in MLS NEXT Pro and play their home matches at Historic Crew Stadium, the first soccer-specific stadium in the United States. A developmental team promoting community involvement, Crew 2 connects the Black & Gold player pathway, which begins with Crew Academy and ends with the Crew’s First Team. Crew 2 finished the inaugural MLS NEXT Pro season with the best regular season record and captured the first-ever MLS NEXT Pro Cup on Oct. 8, 2022. In 2023, Crew 2 again claimed the Eastern Conference championship, earning the right to host the MLS NEXT Pro Cup at Lower.com Field for the second consecutive season.
Website: ColumbusCrew.com/Crew2 | Twitter: @ColumbusCrew2 | Instagram: @ColumbusCrew2 | Stadium: Historic Crew Stadium | Training Facility: OhioHealth Performance Center
COURTESY CREW COMMUNICATIONS
