There was a lot of holiday shopping being done around the Canadian Premier League over the past few weeks, with a number of big signings and departures announced during the festive season.

Most of the league’s teams made some pretty significant movement over the holiday break as they begin to shape their rosters for the 2024 season.

Here were the biggest stories in the CPL over the past few weeks:

Defender of the Year nominee Manjrekar James departs Forge for Alajuelense

After one incredibly successful season with Forge FC, Defender of the Year nominee and 2023 playoff champion Manjrekar James has departed the club for Costa Rican side L.D. Alajuelense for an undisclosed fee. The 30-year-old Canadian international made 26 appearances for Forge this past campaign.

Alajeulense are a regional giant within Concacaf, having won the Costa Rican league 30 times. They have also twice won the Concacaf Champions Cup, most recently in 2004, and were 2023 Concacaf Central American Cup champions.

James and Alajuelense will join Forge in the 2024 edition of the Champions Cup, but as Central American Cup champions they have earned a bye to the round of 16, while Forge take on Chivas Guadalajara in the first round, starting Feb. 7.

In anticipation of that match, Forge also made some announcements regarding their squad for 2024, confirming that 15 players currently have confirmed guaranteed contracts (a number that has since dipped to 14 following the departure of James).

Vancouver FC’s Gabriel Bitar called up by Lebanon for AFC Asian Cup

Vancouver FC attacker Gabriel Bitar has been announced as part of the squad for the Lebanon men’s national team at this month’s AFC Asian Cup. The 25-year-old has previously earned two caps for the Cedars.

Bitar’s Lebanon are set to play in the tournament’s opening match, as they take on hosts, and defending champions, Qatar on Friday, Jan. 12. Lebanon’s group also includes China and Tajikistan.

This past season, Bitar finished with six goals — tied for the team lead on Vancouver FC — and added four assists.

Atlético Ottawa add de Brienne, extend Tissot, while dos Santos departs

It was a busy holiday in the nation’s capital as 2022 regular season champions Atlético Ottawa continued their retool after a disappointing 2023.

That was headlined by a marquee move that saw the club bring in 2023 CPL Best U-21 Canadian Player, winger Matteo de Brienne, formerly of Valour FC. They also announced the extension of veteran fullback Max Tissot.

In a move that perhaps clears space for de Brienne to take up a spot on the left wing, Ottawa announced the transfer of winger Gianni dos Santos to Indian club Inter Kashi.

Valour FC sign Mourdoukoutas, announce key departures

Another club that have been quite busy this offseason are Valour, as the league’s last-place side in 2023 rebuild for 2024.

Valour made some big announcements in that regard over the break, including confirming the departure of seven players, including de Brienne, captain Diego Gutiérrez and key defender Andrew Jean-Baptiste.

The club did announce a big signing, however, as they secured former York United defender Tass Mourdoukoutas. The 24-year-old Australian made 38 appearances for the Nine Stripes over the past two seasons and became a key piece of their backline.

Cavalry FC announce signing of Australian youth international Lleyton Brooks

Speaking of Aussies, the league’s influx of talent from down under continues as Cavalry added Australian youth international Lleyton Brooks on Boxing Day.

The 22-year-old has a wealth of experience in the A-League, having made 32 appearances with Melbourne Victory scoring three times. The winger has also represented Australia at the youth level.

Brooks joins Cavalry on a two-year contract, with a one-year option. Cavalry added 26-year-old midfielder Jesse Daley out of the A-League last season, who was a key part of the club’s CPL Shield winning campaign in 2023.

York United announce roster update for 2024

With new ownership in place, York United have begun the process of building their squad for the 2024 campaign. That included an extensive update on where the roster currently stands.

The club confirmed that they had triggered the options on six players who will be back for next season, including key midfielder Brem Soumaoro and attacker Austin Ricci.

A further six players will be departing the club, including key veterans Paris Gee, Jérémy Gagnon-Laparé, and the aforementioned Tass Mourdoukoutas who is joining Valour FC.

The club currently has 13 players announced as under contract for the 2024 campaign.