Rudy Camacho, one of the key cogs in CF Montreal’s defense for the past six years, was traded to the Columbus Crew on Monday.
In return, the Impact got their hands on $400,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM). The sum is split equally into 2023 and 2024.
“CF Montreal thanks Rudy for his six years of service with the club. We wish him a good continuation for the rest of his career, “succinctly declared the vice-president and chief sports officer of the Bleu-blanc-noir, Olivier Renard, about the player who played 152 games in the uniform. Montrealers.
Since the club switched to a three centre-back system, none have done the job better than Camacho at the center of it. In possession, in particular thanks to the quality of his raises, he is one of the best defenders on the circuit in this aspect. This season, according to advanced statistical analysis, only three outfield players have advanced the ball more with passes than Camacho.
However, the Frenchman and the club seemed to be at a crossroads. Acquired in March 2018 from the Belgian club Waasland-Beveren – for a sum of around one million dollars, according to the specialized site Transfermarkt –, the defender was currently spending the last year of a two-season contract. He had also signed the said contract during training camp in 2022.
The club preferred to recover an honest sum in return from its leader rather than see him go to other places for free. By the same token, Montreal has just strengthened the Crew of Wilfried Nancy, its former head coach.
Earlier this season, Camacho remarked that the style of play offered by Nancy suited him better than that of current CFM head coach Hernán Losada. The more methodical style of the former Citadins de l’UQAM pilot will see the 32-year-old defender like it.
It’s just a trade, sure, but it’s also a clear message for the end of the season: expectations won’t be high this year. The club have just let go of one of the most consistent players in their squad.
For those who love statistics, Camacho was on the field for 17 of the 32 goals scored against Montreal in MLS. By the way, he played 78% of the possible minutes. His departure will certainly be felt.
The club is counting on several projects, at all positions, to get away with it. Losing an experienced player will put more pressure on the few remaining veterans.
If Losada wants to continue with the same formation, he will have to insert a youngster in place of Camacho. The logical candidate is George Campbell. The 22-year-old American has made 10 starts in MLS this season and has been deployed all over the defense.
Otherwise, the task could go to Róbert Thorkelsson, Ousman Jabang or Fernando Álvarez, who arrived on Friday from Pachuca. However, if it is one of these candidates, it will be a heavy task because of their limited professional experience.
There is therefore no player with a certain background on the bench and whose natural position is central defender to whom Losada can turn at the end of the game or in the event of injury. Aaron Herrera and Samuel Piette could help out, but that would be far from ideal.
And yet, Montreal is very close to a place in the playoffs. He’s a point behind, and a game in hand, ninth-placed D.C. United. If the club wants to make a breakthrough, it will need some reinforcements.
The club can complete transfers until Wednesday and sign free agents until September 2.
