For the second consecutive week, seven of the league’s eight teams announced signings, with many of them putting pen to paper with multiple different players. The only club that didn’t was regular season winners Cavalry FC, although they did reveal that assistant coach and technical director Leon Hapgood has departed the club to join NYCFC of Major League Soccer.

If it seems like a lot happened this week on the Canadian Premier League transfer wire, that’s because it did. That’s also exactly why CPL Headlines exists, to break down the most important stories from the week that was. For a full update on each club’s roster ahead of the upcoming 2024 CPL season, make sure to check out our roster tracker.

Ahead are the multitude of signings and stories that played out across the league this past week:

Forge FC sign Nana Opoku Ampomah, Elimane Cissé and re-sign Alexander Achinioti-Jönsson ahead of Chivas Guadalajara matchup

After a pretty quiet off-season thus far, Forge got down to business this past week with three significant signings ahead of their Concacaf Champions Cup opener against Chivas Guadalajara on Wednesday, Feb. 7 at Tim Hortons Field (8 p.m. ET). Due to high ticket demand, Forge have opened up additional sections in the Upper East Bowl at Tim Hortons Field for this match.

Critically, the Hamilton club confirmed the return of 2022 Canadian Premier League Defender of the Year Alexander Achinioti-Jönsson, with the Swedish midfielder/defender signing a new multi-year deal. The 27-year-old is tied with teammate Kyle Bekker for most all-time appearances for a CPL club, with 147, and has started all five CPL Finals, winning four.

Forge also announced the return of midfielder Elimane Cissé for the 2024 season. The 28-year-old Senegalese international was a key member of the club’s 2019 and 2020 championships, and his quality across multiple positions will provide essential depth and versatility for the season ahead.

Finally, Forge concluded the week by signing Nana Ampomah, a talented Ghanaian attacker from German club Fortuna Düsseldorf. Ampomah’s impressive resume includes playing in the Bundesliga, Europa League and Belgian top division. He has been capped once by the Ghana national team.

York United sign Canadian international Frank Sturing, loan deals for Mexican pair Josué Martinez, Orlando Botello

With their 905 derby rivals adding to their ranks, the Nine Stripes were not keen to be left behind and announced a trio of moves of their own this week.

That includes a key signing for their backline in Canadian international central defender Frank Sturing. The 26-year-old has twice been capped by Canada, scoring his first international goal against the Cayman Islands. He joins the club from SV Horn of the Austrian second division, and will bring quality to a backline lacking depth after the retirement of captain Roger Thompson and departure of Tass Mourdoukoutas to Valour.

York United also further exercised their connections in Mexico with loan deals for CF Monterrey duo Josué Martínez and Orlando Botello. Martínez is a promising 21-year-old midfielder, while Botello, 22, is a fullback with solid experience in the Mexican second division.

Halifax Wanderers announce return of Jérémy Gagnon-Laparé

After spending the 2023 campaign with York United, 28-year-old midfielder Jérémy Gagnon-Laparé is back with the Halifax Wanderers, signing a contract that takes him through the 2025 campaign.

Gagnon-Laparé spent two seasons in Halifax before signing with York, and will add further depth and quality to a Wanderers midfield that already includes Player of the Year nominee Lorenzo Callegari and Trinidad and Tobago international Andre Rampersad.

Pacific FC sign experienced Vancouver Island-born goalkeeper Sean Melvin

Pacific FC added some experience to their goalkeeping corps this week with the signing of Victoria native Sean Melvin to a two year deal, with a further club option year in 2026.

Melvin’s career includes stints with the Vancouver Whitecaps, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks in the USL Championship, as well as a cap for the Canadian men’s national team. He recently spent two seasons with Atlético Ottawa in the CPL, making 10 appearances.

With 20-year-old Emil Gazdov still developing, Melvin will give Pacific another dependable option in net, as well as mentorship for the young goalkeeper.

Atlético Ottawa add Canadian international Kris Twardek, acquire Liberman Torres on loan from Villarreal

Hometown returns was a bit of a theme across the league this past week, as another took place in the nation’s capital with Atlético Ottawa signing winger Kris Twardek who was raised in the Ottawa area.

The 26-year-old joins Ottawa after eight seasons spent in Europe, including with Millwall in the Championship, the LOI Premier Division, Poland and Slovakia.

Atleti also announced a loan deal for 21-year-old defensive midfielder Liberman Torres, who joins from Villarreal CF B in Spain.

Valour FC sign former Toronto FC fullback Themi Antonoglou

Valour made a bit of a splash on Friday with the signing of former Toronto FC fullback Themi Antonoglou.

The 22-year-old brings immense quality and potential, with 13 matches of MLS experience under his belt with TFC. He has also been a key player for the MLS Next Pro club, and provides a quality replacement for Matteo De Brienne, who departed Valour for Atlético Ottawa earlier this off-season.

Vancouver FC brings David Norman Jr. back to the West Coast

There has been a definite theme to Vancouver FC’s signings this off-season, as the sophomore CPL club looks to bring in local players with CPL experience.

Their latest add, 25-year-old David Norman Jr., unquestionably fits that profile with three CPL seasons spent between Pacific FC and Cavalry. He has recently spent time in Europe, including winning the FAI Cup with St Patrick’s Athletic.