The new offensive arrivals for CF Montreal have the potential to bring lots of goals to Major League Soccer. Three players were recently signed by the Canadian club including Norwegian striker Bjorn Johnsen who has produced impressive goal totals in recent years. After scoring 33 goals and averaging 1.43 goals per 90 minutes during the 2020 season, the 2021 campaign could yield even better numbers for Montreal.
Johnsen brings goal-scoring experience
Brining in Johnsen was a great move by the Montreal front office. This is a player that has many years of experience in various leagues around the globe. More recently, Johnsen was playing in South Korea for Ulsan Hyundai.
In 18 K-League appearances, the 29-year-old scored five goals. His most impressive goal scoring record of the 2020 season was his five goals in nine appearances in the AFC Champions League. He was one of the contributors to Ulsan Hyundai’s title-winning run in the AFC Champions League.
More from MLS Multiplex
- Javier Milei Elected in Argentina: Potential Impacts on MLS and Signings of Argentine Players
- Orlando City and New York City FC in the Battle for Matías Arezo; Grêmio Enters Negotiations! Who Will Come Out on Top?
- USA, Honduras, Panama, and Canada Close in on a Spot in the 2024 Copa America
- De Gea Turns Down Al-Nassr’s Lucrative Offer: Speculation Points to Possible Reunion with Messi at Inter Miami
- Messi’s Magnetic Impact in the United States
Before playing in South Korea, Johnsen had spent multiple seasons playing in the Eredivisie. His best season was in the 2017/18 season when he scored 19 goals in 34 appearances for Den Haag.
The following campaign saw him register six goals in 22 appearances for AZ Alkmaar. All-in-all, Johnsen has the potential to be a double-digit goal scorer in the 2021 season for Montreal. He’s proven he can score on a consistent basis in a competitive league like the Eredivisie and if he can replicate that form then goals should come from the striker.
Toress provides depth on the wings
Joaquin Torres arrives in Montreal from well known Argentine club Newell’s Old Boys. Torres recently spent time on loan in Greece with Volos NPS where he scored five goals and registered two assists in 24 appearances. He’s a player who has played primarily on the right wing but has also made appearances on the left wing and as an attacking midfielder.
This is another great signing by the front office as the 24-year-old does have an option to buy in his loan deal. If he can make an impact on the wings or as an attacking midfielder, then he could become a long-term option for a Montreal side that has had success in the past signing players from Argentina’s top flight. They may have found a diamond in the rough with Torres.
An exciting Egyptian international
The third signing Montreal made was 22-year-old Egyptian midfielder Ahmed Hamdi. According to Transfermakrt, Hamdi can play as a winger, attacking midfielder, or a central midfielder. Having represented his country at the U23 level, Hamdi is among the top players in his age group from Egypt. Montreal will offer him his first opportunity abroad.
Recently, the midfielder scored two goals in four appearances during January in the Egyptian Premier League. He’ll be another player to keep an eye on as he will certainly add depth in the midfield and be a possible source of goals.