CF Montreal have acquired 20-year-old wingback Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty from Toronto FC, their Canadian Classique rival.
The deal which was announced on Friday, August 9 saw Marshall-Rutty join Montreal on a contract extension through the 2027 season, with a club option for 2028.
In exchange, Toronto FC reportedly received a substantial $850,000 in guaranteed General Allocation Money (GAM), split across the current and next season.
In addition, the agreement also includes a potential $400,000 in conditional GAM and a sell-on fee for Marshall-Rutty’s next transfer.
After the young Canadian transfer to Montreal, Toronto general manager Jason Hernandez praised his talent and expressed that he would be missed by the club.
Hernandez said in a press release: “Everyone at TFC would like to thank Jahkeele for his service to our club, dating back to his days in our academy system.”
“He is a talented young man with a great spirit that will be missed around the training facility.”
The 20-year-old wingback had to leave Toronto because he was up against tough competition for minutes on the field, competing against experienced players like Richie Laryea, Federico Bernardeschi, and newcomer Henry Wingo.
Jason Hernandez added: “We understand Jahkeele’s desire for more guaranteed playing time, and with our depth at his position with our current roster, it is difficult for us to deliver that…”
“We wish Jahkeele well as he embraces this next phase in his growth, not only as a player but as a person.”
Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty becomes the second Montreal’s signing this summer
Marshall-Rutty’s arrival marks Montreal’s second significant trade acquisition this summer, following the signing of midfielder Caden Clark from Minnesota United FC.
The club have been actively strengthening their roster, having also brought in starting wingbacks Raheem Edwards and Ruan in the winter.
Meanwhile, the acquisition of Marshall-Rutty could be the catalyst for Montreal’s push toward the playoffs, and fans will be eagerly watching his contributions to the team.
Who is Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty?
Marshall-Rutty is a Canadian professional footballer who recently signed as a winger for Major League Soccer club CF Montreal.
Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty background
Marshall-Rutty was born in Canada. However, he has a diverse heritage that includes Jamaican, German, and Mi’kmaq roots, tracing back to the Membertou First Nation.
His club career
Marshall-Rutty made history as Toronto’s youngest-ever signing joining the club at just 15-year-old.
The talented homegrown player has already impressed with 1 goal and 5 assists in 73 MLS appearances since his debut in 2020.
His international career
Marshall-Rutty received his first international call-up to the Canada national under-15 team for the 2019 CONCACAF Boys’ Under-15 Championship.
In 2021, then-Toronto coach John Herdman made history again by calling up Marshall-Rutty as the youngest player in CanMNT history at just 16 years old.
Now, the young star is eagerly waiting for his senior debut with Canada.
What’s next?
Marshall-Rutty is set to star for Montreal where he can make a big difference as the club strive to make it back to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
Toronto are currently in eighth place with 30 points, while Montreal are in 11th place with 27 points.
