CF Montréal signs Chilean star Alexis Sánchez as Designated Player

CF Montréal has added one of the most recognizable names in South American football, signing Chilean forward Alexis Sánchez as a Designated Player as the Canadian club looks to strengthen its attack for the remainder of the MLS season.

Sánchez arrives in Montréal as a free agent following the end of his time with Sevilla in Spain. His move brings the 37-year-old back to the Americas 16 years after leaving River Plate for European football.

The Chile international has signed through the 2027 MLS season, with the agreement also including a club option for the 2027-28 campaign.

“I’m very happy to join CF Montréal and take on this new challenge,” Sánchez said. “I thank the Club for the trust they have placed in me and I’m looking forward to putting my experience at the service of our objectives and creating memorable moments for our fans. I’m here to give everything for the Club and for this city.”

Sánchez brings European experience to Montréal

Few players to arrive in MLS can match the list of clubs Sánchez has represented during his career.

After emerging in South America and playing for River Plate, the forward moved to Europe and went on to feature for Udinese, Barcelona, Arsenal, Manchester United, Inter Milan, Olympique de Marseille and Sevilla.

His most recent campaign came in LaLiga with Sevilla, where he made 28 appearances and recorded four goals and two assists.

Now, Sánchez begins a new chapter in Canada with a Montréal side in need of additional attacking production.

Through 18 matches, CF Montréal sits 14th in the Eastern Conference with four victories and 16 points, ahead of only Atlanta United. The club has scored 24 goals, leaving its attack among the lower-scoring units in MLS.

Sánchez therefore arrives with an opportunity to immediately become an important part of Montréal’s attempt to change the direction of its season.

Alexis Sánchez returns to the Americas after 16 years

The move also represents a return to the continent where Sánchez began building his career.

He last played club football in the Americas with River Plate before leaving in 2008. What followed was a lengthy career at the highest levels of European football, including spells in the Premier League, Serie A, LaLiga and Ligue 1.

While his scoring production has declined in recent seasons, Montréal is adding a player capable of operating both as an attacker and a creator, along with the experience accumulated across some of European football’s biggest competitions.

His arrival also adds another high-profile international name to MLS.

For CF Montréal, however, the immediate priority will be translating that experience into results during a difficult campaign.

The Canadian club has struggled to consistently turn attacking opportunities into goals, and Sánchez now joins the project as a Designated Player with the expectation of providing another dimension in the final third.

After more than a decade and a half in European football, the Chilean star will now attempt to make his mark in MLS and help Montréal climb the Eastern Conference standings.