York9 FC continues to rebuild its roster this off-season ahead of the 2021 CPL campaign, announcing the signing of highly-touted Montreal Impact Academy prospect Cédric Toussaint on Wednesday.

Toussaint’s deal is a two-year contract with further club options, Y9 revealed.

The 19-year-old midfielder – born in Drummondville, Que. – arrives in the CPL after spending the past eight years with the Impact’s famed youth academy, where he regularly trained with the senior side and took part in Canada Soccer national identification camps.

Able to play as an advanced midfielder or as a more subdued defensive option, Toussaint joins a new-look York9 midfield featuring newcomers Jordan Wilson and Mateo Hernández, and that will no longer feature Joseph Di Chiara and Manny Aparacio.

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“It’s a wonderful opportunity to play at a big club like this, especially at the beginning of my career,” Toussaint said in a media release.

“I’d like to thank the Montreal Impact Academy and all of my coaches there, with a special word of appreciation extended to Philippe Eullaffroy. But now I’m looking forward to meeting all my teammates and coaches and getting started on what will be a great season.”

A powerful midfielder with strong passing abilities, Toussaint caught the eye of York9 as they looked to replace former captain Aparicio in the middle of the park.

Toussaint is also the fourth Quebec-raised player at York9, joining Diyaeddine Abzi and the N’sa brothers, Chrisnovic and Felix.

“Cédric is another really talented player from Quebec that joins our squad and I’m very happy he’s shown such trust in us regarding his footballing future,” York9 managing consultant Angus McNab said.

“He’s comfortable playing as a six or an eight and has a great passing range, something that Canada Soccer’s underage coaches have also been impressed with and why they continue to monitor him.”

Toussaint is the 19th York9 player confirmed for the 2021 CPL season, joining fellow newcomers Niko Giantsopoulos, Ryan Lindsay, Julian Ulbricht and the N’sa brothers.