Columbus Crew signs Jalil Anibaba through 2022 MLS season

The Columbus Crew announced the signing of defender Jalil Anibaba via free agency through the 2022 MLS season, with an option for 2023.

The versatile 33-year old can feature at center-back or full-back. He’s competed in MLS since ​​2011, signing with the Chicago Fire. 

He spent three seasons with the Eastern Conference club before playing for the Houston Dynamo, Sporting Kansas City, New England Revolution and Nashville SC. 

Since his debut, Anibaba has recorded seven goals and 14 assists across 240 regular-season games. 

“Jalil is a veteran player with more than a decade of experience in MLS, and his addition to our roster will help bolster the backline,” president & GM Tim Bezbatchenko said in a release. 

“Jalil is a leader on and off the field, and we’re pleased that a player with the breadth of his experience in MLS chose to sign with the Crew, and we look forward to having him join our team.”

Anibaba joins goalkeeper Brady Scott and homegrown player Sean Zawadzki as the club’s latest signings. The team also brought in Saint Louis University goalkeeper Patrick Schulte and Notre Dame defender Philip Quinton during the 2022 Major League Soccer SuperDraft last week.

Anibaba also serves as an Executive Board Member for the Black Players for Change organization.

Columbus Crew is set to return to action on February 26 as they face the Vancouver Whitecaps for their 2022 MLS season opener.