SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio FC announced on Wednesday it had signed forward Niko Hansen ahead of the 2023 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval, and per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Since being selected ninth overall by Columbus Crew SC in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, Hansen has recorded seven goals and eight assists in 83 regular season appearances. He most recently spent the past two seasons with Minnesota United, while his most productive season came in 2018, when he scored three times and added three assists in 1,031 minutes of action for Columbus.

“We are thrilled to welcome Niko and his family to San Antonio. He brings top-level experience with enthusiasm and desire to integrate with the team and defend our championship title,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “Niko is an ultra-competitor who demonstrates a commitment to pressing actions and holds game-changing pace, shown through his dynamic and vertical runs, each invaluable asset to our aggressive playing style.”

Hansen’s time with Columbus in 2017 and 2018 saw him play alongside current SAFC captains Connor Maloney and Mohammed Abu. He subsequently competed for Houston Dynamo FC before signing with Minnesota.

Prior to joining the professional ranks, Hansen competed in USL League Two for Sounders FC U-23 while also competing collegiately at the University of New Mexico.