January 6, 2025
CF Montreal acquire American defender Jalen Neal from the LA Galaxy
CF Montreal announced Monday the acquisition of American defender Jalen Neal from the LA Galaxy in return for $450,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money (GAM), $200,000 in 2026 GAM and a 2025 international roster spot. Neal also signed a “U22 Initiative” contract for the 2025, 2026 and 2027 seasons, with an option year in 2028.
“We are very excited to welcome a promising young defender to Montreal,” said CF Montreal President and CEO Gabriel Gervais. “Jalen fits the profile of the modern defender we wanted to add to our squad, being technically talented, quick and versatile. Despite his young age, he already has significant MLS and international experience. We are convinced that he will help us improve our defense this season and for the future.”
See Also: CF Montreal release their 2025 MLS schedule
A product of the LA Galaxy Academy, the 21-year-old recently helped his team to an MLS Cup title in 2024. Neal accumulated 2,671 minutes over 34 games, including 28 starts, over the past two seasons in 2023 and 2024 in MLS with the Galaxy. He also played three U.S. Open Cup games and five Leagues Cup games.
Jalen Neal featured on the MLS 22 Under 22 rankings in back-to-back years (9th in 2024 and 14th in 2023).
The Lakewood, California native joined the LA Galaxy Academy in 2016 and was promoted to the team’s reserve side in 2020. Neal played 3,895 minutes in 47 USL Championship games as well as one playoff game.
On the international stage, Neal holds six caps for the United States men’s national team and represented his country at the 2023 Gold Cup. In 2022, he helped the United States win the Concacaf U20 championship and was named on the tournament’s Best XI.
Jalen Neal is another step in the rebuild and youth movement that CF Montreal has undergone since the teams exit from the 2024 playoffs.
CF Montreal sign midfielder Michael Adedokun
Two days ago, CF Montreal announced that it has signed midfielder Michael Adedokun to a one-year contract for the 2025 season. The deal also includes three option years for 2026, 2027 and 2028. Adedokun was selected by CF Montreal 13th overall in the first round of the 2025 MLS SuperDraft on December 20.
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“We are happy to have Michael officially join the group,” said CF Montréal president and CEO Gabriel Gervais. “He is a dynamic attacking midfielder with strong instincts for goal, 1v1 ability, and good creativity in the final third. We believe he is ready to take the next step in his career as he continues to grow with us. I would also like to congratulate him on winning the MAC Hemann trophy.”
On Friday, the native of Eruwa, Nigeria won the 2024 MAC Hermann Trophy, awarded to the Player of the Year in NCAA Division 1 soccer. Adedokun led the Ohio State Buckeyes with 11 goals and 11 assists in this past season and helped his team win the 2024 Big Ten Tournament. He was also featured on the All-Big Ten first team.
