COLUMBUS – Columbus Crew SC today announced it has agreed to a permanent transfer of midfielder Mohammed Abu to Valerenga Fotball of Norway’s First Division. Abu had previously been on a season-long loan with the Norwegian side since August 10. Abu made 24 regular-season appearances (14 starts) for the Black & Gold while providing one assist. He also made three appearances (two starts) in the 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs, helping the Black & Gold reach the Eastern Conference Championship.
Abu, 26, was signed by Crew SC on January 24, 2017. While on loan with Valerenga Fotball since August, Abu made six regular-season appearances (all starts) and recorded one assist. Abu also started as a central midfielder in a Norwegian Cup quarterfinals match against Rosenborg on September 26.
“Mohammed has continued to grow as a player during his time on loan and this permanent transfer to Valerenga Fotball is a move that both allows for a continued opportunity to get him the minutes to further his development and provides us additional funds and roster flexibility,” said Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter. “We want to thank Mohammed for his contributions to Crew SC in his time with the club and wish him the best in the next stage of his career in Norway.”
Prior to joining Crew SC, Abu had stints with Stromsgodset IF of Norway’s Eliteserien, FC Lorient of France’s Ligue 1 and Rayo Vallecano of Spain’s La Liga.
Up next, Crew SC travels to face the Montreal Impact at Stade Saputo on Saturday, October 6 (3:00 p.m. ET / CW Columbus, Spectrum Sports, BCSN2, CD102.5 FM, English and Spanish audio broadcasts available on ColumbusCrewSC.com).
TRANSACTION: Columbus Crew SC transfers midfielder Mohammed Abu to Valerenga Fotball of Norway’s Eliteserien on October 4, 2018.
