Then came the bombshell as CF Montréal announced it had signed 20-year-old center-back Brandan Craig through the United States youth national team system. The initial deal is until 2025, but options extend it to 2028.
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What to expect from Craig?
Craig joins Montréal as a free agent after having developed at Philadelphia Union and gained professional experience in MLS NEXT Pro with Union II and in USL with El Paso Locomotive. Craig has made a total of 58 professional starts, scoring four goals and earning three assists during his career, and was part of the United States roster for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
CF Montréal president and CEO Gabriel Gervais underlined Craig's consistency and technical quality on the ball during his evaluation period. He also mentioned that Craig can play as a center-back or on the right side of the defense. But for sure, he will face an adaptation process to the competitive level of MLS.
Does this transfer make sense for CF Montréal?
Signing Craig, it would seem, was to strengthen the defense, but it is not quite clear what his immediate role will be. The big question, though, is whether the club sees him as a key part of the rotation this season or as a long-term project.
Accordingly, with the 2025 season kicking off against Atlanta United on February 22, things are starting to take shape, and if Craig does get an early look his ability to keep up with both the pace and demands of MLS will be scrutinized right off the bat.
Expectations vs. reality
With adaptation and development, Craig will have the potential to become an important player for CF Montréal. If the opposite happens, meaning he doesn't find his place, then the club will need to make a decision that would be the best for his development without weakening the defensive structure.
For now, this signing seems interesting, but there are many variables in the air. Time and the chances he gets on the field will dictate whether this bet pays off.