Nashville SC signs Ahmed Qasem, 21-year-old midfielder from Sweden
Nashville SC has signed midfielder Ahmed Qasem, a 21-year-old from Sweden who most recently played for IF Elfsborg in the Allsvenskan, Sweden's premier league.
'Ahmed is a dynamic attacking player who has the ability to create and finish scoring opportunities,' Nashville SC general manager Mike Jacobs said in a news release. 'His athleticism and versatility enable him to contribute in a number of different roles and options.'
Qasem's contract with Nashville runs through the 2027 MLS season with an option for 2028, pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa. Swedish newspaper Expressen reported that Nashville and Elfsborg agreed on a transfer fee of 45 million krona, equal to $4.2 million dollars, which would make Qasem the third-most expensive acquisition in club history behind Aké Loba in 2021 ($6.8 million) and Sam Surridge in 2023 ($6.5 million).
Last season, Qasem had five goals and four assists in 27 league matches, and totaled three more goals in continental competition as Elfsborg appeared in the Europa League against powerhouses including Tottenham Hotspur, Athletic Bilbao and AS Roma.
Qasem totaled 11 goals and 13 assists in 87 games for Elfsborg. He previously played for his hometown club, Motala, where he scored eight goals in 54 games from 2019-20.
MORE: Can BJ Callaghan build a Nashville SC team that fits its 'young, dynamic' city?
Born in Sweden of Iraqi descent, Qasem has played for Sweden's under-17, under-19 and under-21 national teams. He scored three goals in 10 games for the U-19 squad and has made five appearances for the U-21s.
Qasem, who will occupy an international roster slot, was signed to a U22 Initiative player, meaning that Nashville was able to sign him for a reduced budget charge against a more lucrative contract. Nashville currently has three U22 slots, two of which are occupied by Qasem and midfielder Patrick Yazbek, who signed last summer.
Jacob Shames can be reached by email at jshames@gannett.com and on Twitter @Jacob_Shames.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville SC signs Ahmed Qasem, a midfielder from Sweden
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