8 CPL Thoughts: Transfer interest heating up as clubs prepare for July window
It's been a while, CPL fans.
There's more football than ever to write about and somehow Halifax has seemed at the centre of a lot of it between the Tides, Wanderers and a recent visit from the Canadian Men's National Team. It's been wonderful for anyone based on the East Coast who enjoys the beautiful game.
But it's also been a lot of work and means I haven't had time to check in on what's happening around the CPL. So, without further ado, welcome to a quickly written 8 CPL Thoughts, the column where I round up the news and tidbits I'm hearing across the league.
Alejandro 'Wero' Díaz on the move?
Vancouver FC striker Alejandro 'Wero' Díaz did not make the trip to Halifax this past weekend for family reasons. It's possible, with his loan from Sogndal Fotball set to expire on June 30, that the 29-year old Mexican striker may have played his last match for the Eagles, although there is the potential he suits up on June 27 for the Salish Sea Derby.
Sources, kept anonymous to protect relationships, said Díaz will not extend his stay with Vancouver FC. But a CPL return may still be in the cards as multiple clubs are interested in his services.
Pacific FC, said sources, is one of the club's in contention and would be a homecoming of sorts given Díaz 's ties to Vancouver Island. It's believed that Valour FC are also interested; a third club is in contention but has not been identified.
Call the Cavalry (FC)!
It was always going to be difficult for Cavalry FC to balance the loss of defender Daan Klomp and midfielder Charlie Trafford in the same off-season. They have, to be fair, done admirably and are undefeated in their last eight league matches (10 if you include the Canadian Championship).
Part of that success can be attributed to the addition of 22-year old centre-back Levi Laing. I'm told both the front office and coaching staff adore Laing and have relied on him heavily (he's played 638 minutes through eight appearances).
Sources said Cavalry FC are now looking to strengthen their midfield due to injuries and the recent departure of Jesse Daley. I'm told they're looking for a player(s) who can play as a No. 6 or 8 to solidify their midfield. As the club are only using two import spots, it wouldn't be surprising if a veteran midfielder is recruited from overseas.
Atlético Ottawa happy with their squad
Winning makes for happy footballers and there are few happier than Atlético Ottawa's squad as they currently sit atop the CPL table with 25 points. Newly appointed head coach Diego Mejía's attacking philosophy is delivering in 2025 what many expected from last year's star-laden group.
The result of all that success, sources said, is the club isn't looking to make too many changes to their roster. Given the amount of running placed on wingers in Mejía's system, the club could look to add someone capable of playing either flank but nothing seems imminent. Sources added former Atlético Ottawa player Zachary Roy is training with the squad.
Attacker Mikaël Cantave is available
Just a quick note here: sources said Mikaël Cantave will be looking for a new club this coming transfer window. Previously, he played for Vancouver FC and Cavalry. He has not played in the CPL in 2025. He could be a good addition for a club looking for pace on the wings; Cantave scored one goal and added three assists in 25 appearances last year.
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Valour eyeing moves for goals
Sunday's 5-0 loss to Forge FC highlighted a number of things, among them the fact that Valour's offence remains ineffective: the Winnipeg-based club is currently averaging less than a goal per match.
But the front office is looking to add to, or at least change up, their squad. Sources said one of the names in play is Shaan Hundal as the 25-year old striker has underwhelmed at times this season. It's not the first time Hundal's name has been floated. Previously in 2024, Valour and the Halifax Wanderers discussed a No. 9 swap with Hundal headed to the East Coast for Christian Volesky, who was never a fit in Halifax.
Sources said Valour are considering several options, including some interest in Díaz, as they look to re-find their form from last year's ending run. At least one loan deal to bring a player to Winnipeg has fallen through in recent weeks.
Wanderers keeping calm amidst strong start
Saturday saw the Halifax Wanderers back in the win column as they defeated Vancouver FC 1-0 at Wanderers Grounds. They are, compared to 2024, light-years ahead and remain in good form.
Some of last year's troubles stemmed from an injury crisis, resulting in both a lot of player movement (they signed Jefferson Alphonse, Nassim Mekidèche, Sean Rea and Clément Bayiha mid-season) and poor performances. Sources said the Wanderers are happy with their current squad but are also limited as they only have one primary roster spot remaining.
My sense is the Wanderers are keeping that final spot in reserve in case they need to make a move due to injury or slipping results. Things are quiet.
U.K. clubs monitoring York United's Shola Jimoh
It's been a solid start to the season for Shola Jimoh as the 17-year old continues to adapt to professional football with York United FC. He's logged 10 appearances, totaling 376 minutes, and has added a couple helpers.
Jimoh also remains in Canada Soccer's plans as the forward was named to Canadian Men's National Team head coach Jesse Marsch's preliminary Concacaf Gold Cup roster last month.
But Canada Soccer aren't the only ones monitoring the rising Canadian star as sources said U.K.-based clubs are watching Jimoh's development with interest. His excellent work ethic and potential — along with a British passport — means the Brampton-native's progress is being noted both at home and abroad.
The CPL divide is growing
It may just be me but I feel like the top four and bottom four clubs stratified much more quickly than usual this year. Cavalry, Forge and the Wanderers have all cracked the 20 point mark; league leaders Atlético Ottawa have more points (25) than Vancouver FC, Valour and Pacific put together (22).
This is bad for the league.
Last year, the CPL's playoff race was heralded as the bottom clubs duked it out for the fifth and final spot until Decision Day. But having three clubs lagging so clearly behind hurts them in their respective communities. It's no coincidence that these are some of the markets hurting for attendance.
My hope for the second half of the season is that the clubs at the bottom of the table find some joy and make some noise down the stretch. Selfishly, it makes it much more interesting to write about.
Cover Photo Credit: Beau Chevalier / Canadian Premier League
