COLUMBUS — Columbus Crew 2 today announced that the Club has transferred Justin Malou to FC Tulsa. The 24-year-old defender becomes the first player in Crew 2 history to transfer to the USL Championship. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“The goal of Crew 2 is to develop players and provide them with opportunities to succeed,” said Crew 2 General Manager Corey Wray. “We are proud to have been part of Justin’s development since he was selected in the 2021 SuperDraft. He was an integral part of Crew 2’s success this season, and we are pleased that he has earned this opportunity to compete in the USL Championship with FC Tulsa. We wish him all the best and look forward to watching his career progress.”
Malou signed with Crew 2 on Feb. 25, 2022. In the inaugural MLS NEXT Pro season, the Senegalese defender appeared in 19 regular-season matches (13 starts). He additionally started all three of the Black & Gold’s matches in the postseason and went 88 minutes as Crew 2 captured the first-ever MLS NEXT Pro Cup with a 4-1 victory over St Louis CITY2 on Oct. 8.
Selected by the Crew in the first round (27th overall) of the 2021 MLS SuperDraft, Malou had the opportunity to return to Clemson for a final season, during which he led the Tigers to the 2021 NCAA College Cup. Malou appeared in all 90 minutes as Clemson captured their third title in program history and its first since 1987.
TRANSACTION: Columbus Crew 2 transfers defender Justin Malou to USL Championship side FC Tulsa on Tuesday, Dec. 13. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
