Farewell: Le Général traded to LAFC

Montreal Impact welcome Raheem Edwards and Jukka Raitala in trade involving fan favorite Laurent Ciman. It was expected for the Montreal Impact to make moves during the offseason but this was not the one that a vast majority of fans were anticipating. During his time with the Montreal Impact, Ciman found a place in the heart of the fans for his passion, determination and strong character. Not afraid of making challenges, sharing his opinion and guiding his teammates, Ciman was given the nickname “Le Général”. The whole Ciman family became part of the IMFC one and this trade is one that is hard on the heart but there is some logic that needs to be observed.

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When welcoming Rémi Garde, Montreal Impact fans were promised that he would assess and make changes accordingly. While this was not the change that fans were expecting a lot of logic is found in the move made. First and foremost, age was a factor. The Impact had an average age of 27.8 and acquiring two younger players in Edwards and Raitala does lower their average; it also permits, especially for Edwards, them to grow in the system set by Garde.

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On the other hand, Jukka Raitala is a left back, a position lacking depth and definition in the Impact line up. Raheem Edwards has played various positions from left wing back to left wing, he has showed his versatility over the years in the range of positions he can play. Although the departure of Ciman is a costly one at the center back position, the Impact have reportedly been making moves to fix this gap. Rumors have been becoming more prominent of signing Argentinian, Nehuen Paz, a 24 year old center back.

A final factor was salary, these two young players take up much less of the Impact cap space and allow them to go get another player with that freed up money. Garde made it known after the announcement of the trade that, more moves are looming. It is without a doubt the Garde wants to make changes and he has a plan. While it is normal to want explanations for his decisions he should not have to defend himself; Garde has a very complete and successful resume. Garde being a new coach, wants to implement his own system and has a plan in mind, unfortunately Ciman was not part of it. It is without a doubt that facing off against “Le Général” will not be easy and he will forever hold a special place in the heart of many of the IMFC family. Only time will tell if the consequences of this move are positive or negative. “Le Général” your personality, heart and passion will be missed.

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