3 most intriguing Canadian transfers of the summer (so far)

With the summer transfer window now well underway, Canadian stars have already found themselves announcing changes of club scenery, as our men's and women's national team talents earn much-deserved moves in the next stages of their career. But whether it's taking a step up, finding a better home, or settling into the next chapter of their careers, a few transfers have been particularly intriguing.

Here are three Canadian footballers who have made moves that caught our eye... and what they have to offer for their new club, too.

Cloé Lacasse – Arsenal

At 29 years old, Cloé Lacasse is ready for the next challenge – perhaps the challenge – of her club career.

And, as is so often the case in world football, that challenge comes in England, with the dynamic forward landing at Women's Super League contenders Arsenal after four successful seasons with SL Benfica.

Lacasse has been one of Benfica's top players in the Campeonato Nacional Feminino and in UEFA Women's Champions League play, scoring 102 goals over her 131 appearances for the club as well as taking home the league's Player of the Year award this past season, as Benfica would go on to capture their 3rd league title since 2019.

The 2022-23 campaign wasn't as kind for Arsenal, who were without the services of star forward Vivianne Miedema due to an ACL injury. The Gunners weren't able to really make up for the offensive contributions they would have gotten out of Miedema, and that caused them to fall out of the title race earlier than they would have liked.

Enter Lacasse.

Her arrival, coupled with a returning Miedema, means the Gunners now boast a new-look attacking duo that should score plenty of goals in the WSL, and, as Arsenal hopes, eventually capture their third league title. They're betting on Lacasse's ability to do what she's always done – put her head down, work hard and score goals. And for Lacasse, the benefit of thriving here is establishing to the world – and to Bev Priestman – that she is, indeed, the elite forward she's shown the potential to be throughout her time at Benfica... and earn a natural starting role for the CanWNT, too. 

Iké Ugbo – Cardiff City FC

After two seasons in France that didn't really pan out the way he would've wanted, Iké Ugbo makes his return to English football.

This time, the former Chelsea youth striker will be suiting up for Welsh club Cardiff City.

The 24-year-old spent the last season and a half with ES Troyes AC in Ligue 1, tallying only 7 goals in 39 appearances for the club and only 2 goals this past season. Suffice it to say, his output in Ligue 1 didn't quite match that of his Canadian teammate, Jonathan David. Naturally, the question emerged: Where would Ugbo go next?

While he was spotted in New York and Los Angeles, the idea of a move to Major League Soccer emerged. Perhaps a season in MLS would restore his confidence and scoring potency. But, in Cardiff City, Ugbo has found a team that needs him just as much as he needs them. The Bluebirds just narrowly avoided relegation last season, finishing 17th in the Championship table. Plus... they need a striker.

An area in which Cardiff had to improve heading into this season would’ve definitely been the attack and bringing in Ugbo on loan will be key in their efforts to stay afloat once again as well as a great opportunity for the London born striker to gain some much needed confidence before making his return to Troyes.

Cardiff were desperate to find the right attacking formula last season, featuring eight different attackers in various combinations, Ugbo will come into this team looking to ensure a consistent role under new manager Erol Bulut.

Ugbo’s familiarity with English football, having played growing up and through his teenage years should help him adjust quickly and make an impact for his new club – and get back into John Herdman's plans for the national team attacking line-up, too.

Scott Arfield – Charlotte FC

With his contract at Rangers set to expire this summer, the veteran Scottish-Canadian midfielder and CanMNT international made a surprise move to Major League Soccer.

So, which club did he end up joining?

Well, it wasn't the Vancouver Whitecaps, Toronto FC or CF Montréal as you'd probably expect ... instead, at 34 years old, Arfield will be heading to North Carolina to compete for Charlotte FC.

Arfield has competed in some of the biggest leagues across the world including the Scottish Premiership and English Premier League, so bringing his composure and leadership to the midfield will be a benefit to Charlotte FC. And Arfield can also act as a mentor for some of the young talents in the squad like Brandon Cambridge and Benjamin Bender, too.

At the moment, Charlotte sit just two points out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with a league-worst 35 goals conceded, so the hope for Charlotte will be that Arfield can also settle down the team when out of possession and provide some creativity while on the ball. A pure no. 8, Arfield has a good mix of skills that could fit well into Charlotte's system.