Algerian midfielder Saphir Taider signs for Montreal Impact
The Algerian international has moved from Serie A side Bologna to MLS outfit Montreal Impact in a three-year deal.
Former Juventus and Inter Milan midfielder Saphir Taïder has joined MLS club Montreal Impact from Italians Bologna. Taider, who has 42 caps for Algeria, agreed a three-year deal with the Canadian club, including a two-year loan.
The 25-year-old midfielder arrives as a replacement for Blerim Dzemaili, who returned to Bologna after spending the last year in Montreal. Both clubs are owned by Canadian businessman Giuseppe 'Joey' Saputo
“An excellent signing” - Garde
Taïder, who scored nine goals and made three assists in 115 matches with Bologna since joining the Serie A side in 2011, has received compliments from Montreal’s head coach Remi Garde. “It’s an excellent signing for our club because Saphir is both young and has a lot of experience on the European stage,” Garde said in a statement. “His career thus far in some of Serie A’s biggest clubs and with the Algerian national team makes him a very important player who can help the Impact win trophies in the seasons to come. His European track record and his position in midfield will give him many responsibilities. I am convinced that he has all the capacities to become one of the top players in MLS.”
The owner of both clubs, Joey Saputo, also expressed his delight with Taïder’s move to Canada. “We’re very happy to welcome Saphir with our club,” Saputo said. “He’s a very competitive player who has played over 100 games with Bologna FC since 2012. This signing will help the team to reach his goals.”
Taïder has spent most of his career in Italy, with Bologna, Inter, Juventus and Sassuolo. He also had a brief spell in England with Southampton.