Cedrick Mabwati, a 22-year-old African striker who played in La Liga last season, has been obtained by the Columbus Crew, the Major League Soccer club announced Friday.

The Democratic Republic of Congo international made 23 appearances for Real Betis last season and will complete the current campaign on a loan to Spanish second-division side Osasuna before coming to America, where the MLS campaign launches in March.

"Cedrick is a young, versatile player with international experience who can make an impact at any of our four attacking positions," Crew coach Gregg Berhalter said.

Mabwati netted 13 goals in four seasons in Spain, including nine in the 2010-2011 campaign. He joins Argentina's fellow forward Frederico Higuain in the Columbus attack.

The Crew finished third in the MLS Eastern Conference last season, winning 14 and drawing 10 from 34 league contests. Columbus, whose only MLS title came in 2008, lost to eventual champion New England in last season's playoffs.