Canadians on the Move: July 2025 Transfer Recap
Canadian football continues to make waves across the globe, and July 2025 proved just how far the talent pool has come. From blockbuster free transfers to strategic loan moves, Canadian players are landing opportunities in top leagues and pushing for regular minutes in competitive environments.
This past month saw Jonathan David join European giants Juventus, Nathan Saliba shine in Belgium, and Tajon Buchanan return to Villarreal on a permanent deal. But it wasn’t just about the big names—emerging talents like Luc De Fougerolles and Daniel Jebbison also took crucial steps in their careers.
Below is a full breakdown of every major Canadian transfer this July—highlighting the impact, potential, and what these moves could mean for both club and country.
Nathan Saliba to RSC Anderlecht
Nathan Saliba made the move from CF Montréal to Belgian giants RSC Anderlecht for a fee of €2 million on July 1, 2025. At just 21 years old, the central/defensive midfielder already brings solid experience to his new club. Saliba spent three seasons with Montréal, racking up 78 appearances in all competitions (69 in MLS), scoring twice and assisting once.
His breakout moment came during the 2025 Gold Cup, where he delivered several standout performances for Canada (for more on that, read [https://cafeterodelnorte.com/top-5-canadian-players-gold-cup-2025/]). Since arriving in Belgium, he has already featured in a few matches and even scored his first goal. Saliba is a huge talent—one who could become crucial not just for Canada, but for whichever club he ends up at next. A big move in the future isn’t out of the question.
Jonathan David to Juventus
Jonathan David completed a free transfer from LOSC Lille to Juventus FC on July 4, 2025. At 25 years old, he is without a doubt the biggest Canadian transfer of the summer—joining one of the most prestigious clubs in Europe.
Since entering top-flight football, David has been one of the most consistent and underrated strikers across Europe. He scored 109 goals and provided 27 assists in 232 games, regularly competing for the Ligue 1 golden boot. He also played a key role in Lille’s historic 2020/2021 title-winning campaign—one of only two clubs to break PSG’s domestic dominance in the last decade.
David has already debuted for Juventus and registered an assist. If all goes well, he could become a key figure in helping Juventus return to their former glory.
Tajon Buchanan to Villarreal
Tajon Buchanan returned to Villarreal from Inter Milan on July 29, 2025, this time on a permanent deal worth €9 million—making it the most expensive Canadian transfer this window. At 26 years old, the right winger heads back to Spain after a solid loan spell last season (for more on the transfer and meme associated read – https://cafeterodelnorte.com/tajon-buchanan-villarreal-transfer-canadian-messi/) and a strong Gold Cup campaign with Canada. (For more context, check out the article linked under Nathan Saliba.)
There’s optimism that Buchanan can build on last season’s performances and push for a starting role. If he finds his rhythm, Tajon could become a force in LaLiga and further boost his name in world football.
Ismaël Koné to Sassuolo
On July 29, 2025, Ismaël Koné joined Serie A side Sassuolo on a one-year loan from Olympique Marseille. The 23-year-old central midfielder had a mixed season in France, battling injuries and reportedly experiencing tension with manager Roberto De Zerbi.
He split his Ligue 1 appearances between Marseille and Rennes, totaling 21 matches, with 7 starts, 2 goals, and 1 assist. The move to Italy offers Koné a fresh start in a tough league, where he can gain valuable minutes and prove his worth. There’s no doubt about his talent—Canada fans know what he’s capable of, and this season could be his chance to show De Zerbi what he’s missing.
Mathieu Choinière to Los Angeles FC
Mathieu Choinière left Grasshoppers in Switzerland to join Los Angeles FC on a one-year loan, announced July 28, 2025. The 26-year-old midfielder endured a rough season in Switzerland, managing only 8 starts for a side that nearly got relegated.
This return to MLS presents a fresh opportunity. While the Swiss league and MLS may be similar in quality, Choinière will benefit from being closer to his Canadian fanbase and should see more playing time. If he performs well, it could lead to a bigger move next year. He’s always shown flashes of brilliance with the national team—let’s hope he can bring that consistency to LAFC.
Daniel Jebbison to Preston North End
Daniel Jebbison secured a one-year loan from Bournemouth to Preston North End on July 1, 2025. The 22-year-old striker is still looking to establish himself in professional football, but there’s clear promise in his game.
Although limited to just 105 minutes in the Premier League last season, he made a mark by scoring against none other than Manchester City. In the FA Cup, he also netted twice in just four games (including one start). Despite the limited opportunities, Jebbison has done enough to stay on Bournemouth’s radar.
This loan move could be vital for his development. Regular minutes in the Championship might finally help him break out and become a reliable option for both club and country.
Luc De Fougerolles to FCV Dender EH
Young Canadian centre-back Luc De Fougerolles joined FCV Dender EH in Belgium on a one-year loan from Fulham, finalized on July 30, 2025. At just 19 years old, he’s already made waves with the Canadian national team—especially during the 2025 Gold Cup—and was recently rewarded with a new contract at Fulham.
Belgium continues to be a popular destination for Canadian talent, and this move offers De Fougerolles the minutes and experience he needs to grow. He’s already made his debut for Dender and is showing promising signs of what’s to come.
Liam Fraser to Reading FC
Liam Fraser joined Reading FC on a free transfer from Crawley Town on July 23, 2025. The 27-year-old defensive midfielder might not be a household name, but he’s no stranger to the Canadian national team, with several caps to his name.
Now playing in England’s third tier, Fraser brings consistency and a solid work rate. If he can help Reading push for promotion, a national team recall might not be out of the question—though competition in Canada’s midfield is stronger than ever.
Charles-Andreas Brym to NAC Breda
Charles-Andreas Brym completed a €150,000 move from Almere City FC to NAC Breda in the Eredivisie on July 22, 2025. The 26-year-old striker, who has a few caps for Canada, is flying under the radar but continues to gain experience at a solid level.
Last season, he split time between Almere City and Sparta Rotterdam, playing 29 Eredivisie matches (18 starts) and tallying 3 goals and 3 assists. Despite Almere’s relegation, Brym stays in the Dutch top flight, where he’ll look to help NAC Breda push for European competition. If he hits form, he could make a case for returning to the national team picture.
Final Thoughts
It’s been an exciting month for Canadian footballers, with moves that range from massive career leaps—like Jonathan David to Juventus—to strategic loan spells aimed at gaining crucial minutes and experience. Whether it’s young talents like Luc De Fougerolles building their reputation abroad or seasoned players like Buchanan and Koné seeking to reignite their form, July showed us that Canadian players are continuing to make noise across the footballing world.
But the transfer window isn’t done yet.
Stay tuned for the August Transfer Recap, where we’ll continue tracking every major move involving Canadian talent. And if you’re wondering which of these July transfers could have the biggest impact, a full ranking and analysis of each move is also on the way—don’t miss it.
What was your favorite transfer so far? Who do you think will make the biggest impact on their new team? if you have any thoughts please leave them in the comments.
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