This rumor has been circulating for many days, but now it has come true. CF Montreal bought Canadian defenseman Alastair Johnston from Nashville SC for a total of $ 1 million.
Alistair Johnston, 23, has signed a two-season deal with Montreal that will keep him in Quebec until 2023. His contract also comes with options for 2024 and 2025.
“Thank you for the warm welcome in Montreal,” Johnston commented on Twitter. Very excited to start this next trip! ”
Instead, Montreal will send $ 750,000 in general allowance money in 2022 and $ 250,000 in Nashville in 2023. The Tennessee Club may benefit from a 10% transfer of this 1 million.
It’s a huge amount, but Johnston should be worth it. Right-back was a regular MLS starter and quickly settled in Canada as John Herdman’s loyal man.
He made his debut with his Maple Leaf in March 2021. Since then he has played 13 of Canada’s 14 World Cup qualifying games in 2021, playing 993 minutes. He also played five games in the Gold Cup, all openings.
At the Wall of Montreal, Johnston meets his fellow Canadian Kamal Miller. Association in Defense, which should be profitable for selection to the club.
Johnston opened the conference semifinal against the Philadelphia Union in the MLS playoffs, also recording assistance in shootout losses. This is already his fifth game in the series and his fifth start.
During the two seasons in Nashville, Alastair Johnston played 44 games, including 39 as a starter. His team scored just 33 goals and scored 13 shots in 2021, finishing first in the league.
Competition in defense
In a press release, Oliver Renard, CF Montreal’s Director of Sports, said, “We are delighted to welcome this young Canadian with a great desire to join the club.”
In addition to his football qualities, [Johnston] He also displayed an idealistic mentality in the Canadian team. He is a versatile defender who can play in three-way defense or right-back.
Oliver Renard, CF Montreal’s Director of Sports, in a press release
The mention of three-way defense is not trivial: it is a system suggested by Wilfried Nancy in 2021. The arrival of Johnston – like central defender Gabriel Carbo – will help replenish the defensive hinges that Rudy faced with the exit. Camacho at the end of the season.
The instinct on his right is that Zachary can also play tricks on Bralt-Gillard.
In an interview with IMFC Radio last week, Oliver Renard actually referred to Bralt-Gillard as “a competition”. “There’s also the arrival of Gabriel Carbo who can play in these positions. He fits two or three situations and it helps us a lot. ”
In known territory
This is Alastair Johnston’s return to Montreal: Born in Vancouver, he moved to Montreal with his family when he was 4 years old. Before he moved to Ontario at the age of 7, he played for Lakeshore Soccer Club.
He was selected in 11th placeE Rank in MLS Superdraft in 2020, two places after Impact selection, at that time, it was Jeremy Kelly who was selected. The $ 75,000 regular allowance was immediately remitted to the Colorado Rapids.
Alistair Johnston of Nashville wrote, “My love for this club gave me the first chance. Thank you to all the fans for their welcome and support from day one.”
The news was reported by Athletic’s Sam Stageskel last Thursday.
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