Canadian international Nathan Saliba leaves CF Montreal for Belgium’s Anderlecht

MONTREAL — Canadian international Nathan Saliba is moving to Belgium.

CF Montreal announced the 21-year-old midfielder was transferred to Belgian first-division club R.S.C. Anderlecht on Thursday.

The Major League Soccer team did not reveal the transfer fee, but said it would retain a percentage on Saliba’s next move.

The Longueuil, Que., native has signed a contract through 2029, Anderlecht announced.

Saliba is currently playing at the Gold Cup as Canada prepares for a quarterfinal matchup against Guatemala on Sunday in Minneapolis.

In 68 games over three seasons with CF Montreal, the academy product tallied two goals and two assists. Saliba was also named Canada Soccer’s young player of the year in 2024.

“We are very proud of Nathan’s progression over the last few years,” said CF Montreal executive Luca Saputo in a statement. “Despite his young age, he has established himself as a starter and leader on the team, which has also allowed him to earn a spot with the national team.

“He began his career with us at the academy and is now fulfilling his dream of playing in Europe. On behalf of the club, I would like to thank Nathan for his contribution over the years.”

Saliba joined fellow Canadian internationals Mathieu Choinière, Alistair Johnston and Ismaël Koné in transferring from Montreal to Europe in recent years.

Montreal (2-12-5) is currently last in the MLS Eastern Conference.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 26, 2025.