Valour FC’s offseason rebuilding efforts were given a big boost on Thursday as they announced the signing of Canadian forward Shaan Hundal.

The 24-year-old spent this past season with Canadian Premier League expansion side Vancouver FC, appearing in all 28 matches and scoring six goals, which was tied for the team lead. Hundal also made history, scoring Vancouver FC’s inaugural goal on April 22, as well as their first-ever goal at home on May 7.

“Shaan is a proven goal scorer,” said Valour Head Coach & General Manager Phil Dos Santos in a press release. “We can’t wait to see him translate the success he’s had elsewhere to Winnipeg.”

Hundal actually made his CPL debut with Valour back in 2020 during the Island Games in PEI, appearing in four matches. In his return to the Winnipeg side, Hundal will look to inject some much-needed offence for a club that scored just 25 goals in 28 matches this past season, the fewest in the league.

Pursuing domestic players with CPL experience has been a stated goal for Valour this offseason, and Hundal certainly fits that profile nicely. The Brampton native also has significant experience within the Toronto FC organization and was a key player for Inter Miami II for two campaigns before joining Vancouver FC for 2023. He has represented Canada at both the U-17 and U-20 levels.

With Hundal’s signing, Valour now have eight players under contract for the 2023 season including goalkeepers Darlington Murasiranwa and Rayane Yesli, defender Jordan Haynes, and midfielders Dante Campbell, Marcello Polisi, Juan Pablo Sanchez and Kian Williams.