It’s time to shop for CF Montreal. Now defender Ruan comes from DC United in exchange for Aaron Herrera.
This transaction comes a day after the Los Angeles Galaxy acquired left back Raheem Edwards for $400,000 in general allocation money (GAM)
In addition to Ruan, CFM went for $500,000 worth of GAM in 2024 from DCU. At the end of these two personnel movements, Montreal is therefore $100,000 richer in GAM.
“We are happy with the acquisition of Ruan, one of the best in the league at the right-back position,” said Olivier Renard, vice-president and sporting director of the Bleu-blanc-noir. With excellent speed and good crossing ability, he will fit very well into our style of play.”
Ruan started 15 of the 24 games he played for D.C. United in 2023. He recorded six assists. The Brazilian previously aligned with Orlando City SC, from 2019 to 2022, winning the US Open Cup in his final year in Florida.
The defender will have things to be forgiven by CF Montreal supporters. It was he who stepped on Ignacio Piatti’s foot on March 16, 2019, causing him to suffer a knee injury that would sideline him for 18 games that season.
This is an exchange between two players playing in equivalent positions on the field. Aaron Herrera, who arrived last year from Real Salt Lake, had looked good on the right wing this season with Montreal, until he was injured at the end of August. He only returned to the game for the last game of the season.
It’s well documented: CF Montreal has taken a youthful turn in recent years. But the two transactions of the last few days don’t quite fit into this philosophy. Ruan and Edwards are 28 years old, while Herrera was 26. The resale value of the two newcomers is unlikely to rise over the next few seasons.
It should be noted, however, that with the departure of Rudy Camacho and Romell Quioto, the average age of the squad has taken a hit. If the club wants to support its young players, and perhaps earn a little more, experience on the pitch will not be refused.
Financially, it is also a great success for Olivier Renard and his deputy Vassili Cremanzidis. Aaron Herrera commanded salary compensation of $820,220 for CF Montreal. Between them, Ruan ($400,000) and Raheem Edwards ($347,500), for a total of $747,500, cost the organization less. These figures come from the MLS Players’ Association salary guide, disclosed last October.
The shopping is therefore probably not over, since the quest for an attacker who can replace the production of a Romell Quioto continues.