Pacific FC has transferred 21-year-old Canadian goalkeeper Emil Gazdov to Major League Soccer (MLS) club CF Montréal in a record breaking deal for the Canadian Premier League (CPL).
The transfer fee is officially undisclosed, but the Canadian Press is reporting it to be close to $300,000, with a 20 per cent sell-on fee.
Gazdov, who one the CPL’s 2024 Golden Glove award, joins fellow CPL alumni keeper Jonathan Sirois at Montreal. Sirois one the CPL best keeper award in 2021.
“We are happy to sign this young player to complete our trio of Canadian goalkeepers,” said CF Montréal President and CEO Gabriel Gervais via a club statement Friday. “Emil is a mature player who has progressed well since his debut. He is an imposing goalkeeper with a lot of potential. We are looking forward to having him in Montreal.”
‘Excited for next chapter’ at CF Montréal
Gazdov joined Pacific FC when he was 16 years old in June 2020. The North Vancouver native eventually made 49 appearances for Pacific FC in all competitions, earning 15 clean sheets in that time.
“I would like to thank everyone involved with Pacific, including my teammates, coaches, the staff and our fans, for the support over the past five years,” said Gazdov via a Pacific FC statement Friday. “I joined the club as a 16-year-old kid with no experience in the professional game. I leave with a solid foundation and extensive professional experience for my age, which I would not have gained without Pacific and the CPL.
“I’m excited for this next chapter in my career, but I will never forget the role this club played in getting me here.”
