CF Montréal to acquire Caden Clark from Minnesota United

CF Montréal has agreed a deal to acquire midfielder Caden Clark in a trade with Minnesota United, sources tell GIVEMESPORT.

The move gives Clark a fresh start in Montréal, who believes the 21-year-old still has big potential he can reach. Minnesota free up some salary cap space as the club continues to evolve the roster under sporting director Khaled El-Ahmad and head coach Eric Ramsey.

Clark made 23 appearances for Minnesota this year, though many came at wingback in Ramsey’s three at the back system. Clark’s versatility helped get him on the field but he never seemed at home in that role.

Clark broke through at the New York Red Bulls as an attacking midfielder. Montréal view him primarily playing there in their 3-4-2-1 or perhaps as a No. 8 if needed, but either way, they want him in the middle of the field.

His breakout with RBNY earned him a transfer to RB Leipzig in 2021 but Clark never made a senior debut for the club, being loaned back to the Red Bulls twice and to Danish side Vendsyssel FF before joining Minnesota.

When he broke through with the Red Bulls, Clark had seven goals and three assists in his first 1,800 minutes. He never found the same production on future loan stints with the club.

Montréal has had success at trading for players within MLS, particularly the likes of Djordje Mihailovic, Alistair Johnston, Bryce Duke and more.

Minnesota sit 9th in the Western Conference while Montréal are 11th in the East.