MONTREAL – The Montreal Impact announced Wednesday the transfer of midfielder and Designated Player Saphir Taïder to Al Ain FC, a Saudi Arabian club.
“The club would like to thank Saphir for his three seasons in Montreal and everything he’s accomplished on the field,” said Impact sporting director Olivier Renard. “An opportunity presented itself and the club worked to meet Saphir’s desire, which concluded in this transfer.”
“It was an opportunity I couldn’t refuse, said Saphir Taïder. “I leave with a broken heart, because I felt really good in this club and my family loves this city. I hold very fond memories. I would like to thank my teammates, the staff, Olivier Renard, Thierry Henry, owner Joey Saputo, who has gone above and beyond for my family and I, here and in Bologna, and finally the supporters, who made me feel at home since my arrival. This is not goodbye…why not come back one day.”
Since arriving in January 2018, the Algerian international played 76 games in MLS, including 75 starts, for a total of 6,535 minutes played, scoring 20 goals and adding 21 assists. He also played seven games in the Canadian Championship in 2018 and 2019, scoring once and adding three assists. He notably helped the Impact win its 10th Voyageurs Cup in 2019. He also played two Concacaf Champions League games in 2020.
Transaction: The Montreal Impact transferred Saphir Taïder to Al Ain FC, in Saudi Arabia.
