August 14, 2024
Ariel Lassiter shipped to Chicago Fire FC
CF Montreal has been revamping the line-up this transfer window, as the club continues to shake up its roster – this time by sending midfielder Ariel Lassiter to the Chicago Fire.
CF Montréal will receive $75,000 in General Allocation Money in 2024, and could receive an additional $75,000 in General Allocation Money in 2025 if certain player performance conditions are met. In 45 games, including 37 starts, the Costa Rican has logged 3,198 minutes of play, four goals and nine assists for CF Montréal. He tallied 142 games and 71 starts in his MLS career.
See Also: CF Montreal sends Ruan to FC Dallas
Earlier in the week, CF Montreal sent defender Ruan to FC Dallas in a surprising move, as like Lassiter, Ruan was a key contributor to the club.
In what has been a busy transfer period for the club, Montreal acquired U.S. youth international midfielder Caden Clark from Minnesota United in exchange for up to US$150,000 in 2024 general allocation money and a second-round pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft. They then picked up budding star Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty from Toronto FC. Montreal also acquired 20 year old full-back Dawid Bugaj and from Italian Serie C club SPAL as well as defender Tom Pearce, 26, from English club Wigan Athletic.
It would appear that CF Montreal are entering a rebuilding phase, an are looking to get younger and regroup through youth.
There may well be more moves made before the transfer window closes, as rumors around Mathieu Choinière continue to swirl. Apparently, Swiss side Grasshopper Club Zurich have approached CF Montreal about the 25-year-old Canadian national team player, and discussions are ongoing. However, having now sent Lassiter to Chicago – is it really feasible for Montreal to ship another midfielder out, especially one that holds as vital of a role in the squad as Choinière does?
Read More:
>> Vancouver White Caps and CF Montreal play to tie
>> CF Montreal defeat Philadelphia Union
>> New York Red Bulls and CF Montreal draw during heat wave
In other club news, midfielder Ilias Iliadis has been loaned to Atlético Ottawa of the Canadian Premier League for the remainder of the 2024 season. As well, midfielder Rida Zouhir has been loaned to USL Championship side Birmingham Legion FC for the remainder of the 2024 season.
CF Montreal will look quite different when they welcome New England to Stade Saputo on August 24th, as they attempt to push their way into a playoff spot.
