Anass Zaroury heads to MLS as Columbus Crew loan signing

This update focuses on Anass Zaroury Columbus Crew loan. Moroccan international Anass Zaroury is crossing the Atlantic to join Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer on loan with a purchase option, a new step that will be closely watched by many Moroccans living across North America.

Anass Zaroury Columbus Crew loan runs to end of 2027

The move is now confirmed: Anass Zaroury leaves Panathinaikos on a temporary deal to sign for Columbus Crew. The 25-year-old winger joins the MLS side on loan until the end of the 2027 season, with a purchase option in favour of the Ohio club.

The transfer was completed before the close of MLS’s second registration window. Columbus Crew plan to register the Moroccan as an international roster slot, underlining how central he is to their sporting plans.

The agreement still depends on Zaroury obtaining his US P-1 visa, the specific status required for professional athletes. Only once this is granted will he be able to officially link up with his new teammates and make his MLS debut.

A technical profile to boost the MLS champions’ attack

Inside Columbus Crew, expectations around the Moroccan winger are high. Club general manager Issa Tall has welcomed a player described as technically gifted and bold, capable of adding creativity and experience to the attacking unit.

This Anass Zaroury Columbus Crew loan is a clear statement from a club aiming to remain competitive both in MLS and in North American competitions. The Moroccan arrives in a well-structured team used to pressure and high objectives, with the challenge of earning a starting spot as quickly as possible.

For Moroccan fans based in the United States and Canada, the move also offers a rare chance to watch an Atlas Lion live, in stadiums often easier to reach than European grounds.

From Panathinaikos to MLS after a packed season

Before heading to MLS, Zaroury completed a demanding season in Greece. With Panathinaikos, he played 50 matches in all competitions, scoring 8 goals and providing 4 assists.

He particularly stood out in September 2025 with a hat-trick against Young Boys Bern in the Europa League, a performance that confirmed his reputation as a decisive winger. On 22 May, his permanent transfer to Panathinaikos had been made official after a first spell with the club in the 2025–2026 season.

By agreeing to this loan, the winger is putting his Greek chapter on hold to discover, for the first time, a league outside the European continent.

New landmark for Moroccans living in North America

For Moroccans living in North America, the MLS move is more than a simple line in a transfer list. It provides a new focal point to follow Moroccan football from close range and to share matchdays with family and friends.

Fans considering trips from Canada or other US states to see Zaroury with Columbus Crew will benefit from a predictable calendar and modern stadiums, often with easier access to tickets and transport than in Europe.

They can now more easily plan:

• away days to watch Columbus Crew and Anass Zaroury in different American cities;
• weekend breaks combining a match with sightseeing and family visits;
• regular tracking of his performances through MLS broadcasts and official platforms.

Beyond the pitch, Anass Zaroury’s progress in MLS will be followed attentively, at a time when more Moroccan players are exploring leagues outside Europe to give fresh momentum to their careers.

For more context, readers can follow Canal212 news for Moroccans abroad.

For official updates, readers can check the relevant official source.