With all of the Concacaf Champions Cup drama, it may have been easy to overlook another busy week of signings across the Canadian Premier League. In advance of their matches in the competition, both Forge and Cavalry made some big signings to bolster their respective squads. Plus, York United acquired a star attacker, and both Atlético Ottawa and Pacific FC added some exciting young talent to their respective ranks. Here are the biggest stories from across the league this past week:
Forge FC re-sign Hojabrpour, sign Canadian midfielders Paton and Lipovschek
The day before they kicked off their 2025 campaign with a Concacaf Champions Cup matchup against CF Monterrey, Forge FC made a crucial re-signing. The club announced on Tuesday that Player of the Year nominated midfielder Alessandro Hojabrpour is returning on a multi-year deal. The 25-year-old, who coach Bobby Smyrniotis described as “the engine of our team”, played the second most minutes of any player for Forge FC last season, missing just one match. Later that day, Forge announced further midfield reinforcements in the form of 25-year-old Ben Paton and 19-year-old Keito Lipovschek. Paton, who came through the Blackburn Rovers youth academy, spent the past three seasons with Ross County in Scotland, but missed a significant amount of time through injury. Lipovschek joins the club from Fleetwood United. Paton would go on to make his debut for Forge off the bench against Monterrey on Wednesday night.
York United acquire Ferrin, sign young goalkeeper Pavela
In an off-season of homecomings for CPL players from the GTA to York United, likely the most notable yet happened this past Monday. York United announced the acquisition of star Halifax Wanderers winger Massimo Ferrin. Since signing out east, the 26-year-old has been among the most dangerous attackers in the CPL over the past two seasons. His 14 goals over the past two campaigns put him tied for the most in that span — including the most (13) from open play. On Wednesday, York United addressed the other end of the pitch as well, bringing in 19-year-old goalkeeper Ivan Pavela. The Canadian youth international, who initially joined York in 2021, is back following multiple seasons playing in Croatia.
Cavalry FC add to attack with Elva signing
Much of this off-season for Cavalry FC has been about retaining the vast majority of its Championship roster from 2024. But on Monday, the club announced a big attacking signing which should help bolster the club’s offense for 2025. Cannigia Elva, a 28-year-old who has spent the past nine seasons playing in Germany, adds another element to an already lethal attack. The St. Lucian international, who grew up in the Calgary area, will give the club another option at the attacking midfield position — and one with a lot of talent and experience. Cavalry also announced short-term contracts for two U-SPORTS players, Max Piepgrass and Owen Antoniuk to help bolster their Concacaf Champions Cup roster.
Atlético Ottawa sign exciting young talents Cloutier and Rodriguez
Atlético Ottawa added another Canadian U-21 player to their ranks this past week with the signing of 20-year-old defender Loïc Cloutier. A Canadian youth international who came through the CF Montréal system, Cloutier spent last season with the club’s League1 Québec affiliate OSU Atlético. Then on Wednesday, Atleti added dynamic attacking midfielder David Rodríguez on loan from Atlético San Luis. The 22-year-old American youth international has been with San Luis since 2021, with nine matches of Liga MX experience already under his belt. This past campaign, Rodríguez helped San Luis’ U-23 team to win the Apertura final. He looks to add another element to a talented and experienced Atleti midfield group.
Pacific FC bring back Lajeunesse, add former Forge midfielder Schiavoni
For the third consecutive season, Pacific FC announced this past week that defender Eric Lajeunesse will join the club on U-SPORTS contract. The 21-year-old has made 25 appearances for the Tridents during that time, and developed into a strong and dependable defender. He is coming off an outstanding third season with the UBC Thunderbirds, who he helped to a national title. He scored twice in extra time in the Canada West semi-final against UFV. On Friday, Pacific also announced the signing of 19-year-old midfielder Matteo Schiavoni to a multi-year deal. The exciting Canadian youth international spent last season on loan with Forge FC from CF Montréal. He also has experience with Bologna FC’s academy in Italy. With Forge last year, he made 14 appearances, scoring his first professional goal against Vancouver FC with a dramatic late winner in August.
Valour sign Portuguese midfielder Venâncio
One of the clear positional priorities this off-season for Valour FC was adding more of an attacking element to their midfield, and they addressed that this week with the signing of 25-year-old Xavier Venâncio. Venâncio, a Portuguese midfielder who joins the club from Chieri in Serie D, is an attacking midfielder with plenty of experience in his native country as well as Italy. He can also play on either wing, bringing some crucial versatility to the Valour attack.