The Wanderers need to add this transfer window but where?
Although it feels a little early, the Halifax Wanderers have only three matches between now and the beginning of the summer transfer window, which opens on July 17. They'll have played 13 of 28 matches — with just over half the season to go.
And their needs, depending on who you ask, are many.
Consider this: with players missing due to a mixture of international duty (Cyprian Kachwele, Andre Rampersad and Ryan Telfer), suspension (Marcus Godinho and Tavio Ciccarelli) and injury (Thomas Meilleur-Giguère), the club's bench was short for recent away matches versus both Cavalry and Forge FC. Their depth, when confronted by a handful of absences, is thin due to their small squad size; one or two injuries could prove very problematic.
Head coach Vanni Sartini has spoken before about liking a smaller squad. Well, he got his wish as the Wanderers, with just 22 players under contract, have the smallest squad in the Canadian Premier League (CPL). In a vacuum, adding some depth, not to mention a proven goal scorer given only Vancouver FC (seven) have scored less than the Wanderers (nine), would likely be high on the priority list for this transfer window.
However, due to their roster construction, Halifax's transfer business might not be as prolific as supporters may like unless they came move some pieces around.
According to multiple sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships, the Wanderers have spent a good chunk of their salary cap despite having roster spots available. The club paid good money in signing Godinho and veteran 'keeper Marco Carducci this off-season; last year, the same can be said for retaining Lorenzo Callegari and winning the Meilleur-Giguère sweepstakes. These four signings make up a significant portion of their cap spend.
But it's not that the club can't make any signings: sources said they have some cap space to add this window. The question, of course, is where to add?
It may seem a strange thing to say with a legion of strikers but the Wanderers are lacking someone to put the ball into the net. Jason Bahamboula, for all of his talents, has again scored in droves in pre-season but struggled to threaten in league play. Kachwele offers a big target, with potential to boot, but is still learning — a fact that can be attributed to most of the Wanderers' attackers.
Ciccarelli and Victor Akinwale have looked the most threatening, with three goal contributions between them, not to mention 10 shots (the Wanderers have 61 in total this season), but are also still adjusting to the league. Signing a veteran striker with a bit of size could give Sartini a much needed option. And it could also help to complement and spur the club's young talent, similar to how the Doneil Henry signing caused Halifax's backline to elevate their game in 2023.
Sources noted the club is actively scouting to add to their striker pool.
Midfield is undoubtedly a source of strength for the Wanderers as they've a healthy mix of youth and veterans. Sartini's recent switch to a three-man midfield highlights that strength, with Callegari still amongst the league's top players, not to mention the rising form of Sven Zitman or promise of youngster Lucas Olguin.
However, with Sartini's preference for using Isaiah Johnston further up the pitch, and Rampersad a lock for future international duty, it would be wise for the Wanderers to pad their depth with a young player (be it a U-18 development contract or otherwise) capable of playing as a holding or box-to-box midfielder.
The Wanderers' real need is along the flanks: be it at full-back or wing, they haven't been able to dictate play and some of that comes from a lack of options able to threaten with their speed or crossing. To be fair, players like Francesco Troisi are growing into themselves, but at 18-years-old, he's a squad player versus the starter Halifax needs. An experienced full-back, preferably able to play on both the left and right flanks, would go a long way in adding some balance when the Wanderers line up against the likes of Forge or Cavalry.
It remains to be seen how many players the Wanderers will be able to bring in this transfer window. Loaning a player out or a mutual contract termination could give them further flexibility to make a splash. But with the season hitting it's mid-way mark, and the schedule picking up following a lengthy break for the World Cup, they'll need to add depth to give themselves a reasonable shot at a playoff spot. They're well positioned on the table right now.
However, as currently constructed, they're an injury or two away from being in a crisis.
Cover Photo Credit: Stuart Gradon / Canadian Premier League
