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Transfer Window Closed: Impact Get Reinforcements

It probably wasn’t what was expected but the Impact makes moves with in the final hours of the transfer window.

Manchester City FC v Celtic FC - UEFA Champions League Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

With a transfer window a little less than a month long and the Impact looking to solidify their playoff position, many were looking at the moves that they would make before August 9th. After the signing of Jimmy Briand, who could have solved a few issues for the Impact, fell through, all eyes were on this elusive plan B the club promised.

Plan B may have taken a long time to show up and I don’t think plan B is done but with a few hours to spare before the end of the transfer window, the Impact started making moves.

Quincy Amarikwa

MLS: San Jose Earthquakes at Vancouver Whitecaps FC Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

The first of the many moves during the day was the trade that sent Dominic Oduro to San Jose and Quincy Amarikwa to Montreal. The American forward, Quincy started his MLS career ten years ago with San Jose before heading to Colorado where he spent a few seasons. After his time with Colorado he headed to Toronto for the better part of a season and then spent almost three seasons with Chicago. Finally he went back to San Jose where he spent a little over three seasons before being traded Montreal. The imposing forward has scored some pretty memorable goals and while his tally 24 goals and 19 assists in 190 regular seasons games is not the most stellar statistics for a forward he can be an important presence on the pitch. He could be an interesting target for Piatti, Silva and Taider who have been key creators in almost all Impact goals this season. While Quincy is not the miracle solution most were hoping for upfront he may bring something different and want to prove he is better than his stats let on.

Michael Azira

MLS: Seattle Sounders FC at Colorado Rapids Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Acquired from Colorado for a fourth round pick in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft. The Uganda central defensive midfielder brings his MLS experience (in his fifth season played with Seattle and Colorado before) and also will bring a relief to a very tired midfield. With his green card Azira does not count as an international player. More of a depth player than anything Azira will be able to give a break to Piette or even slot in for Krolicki when necessary.

Bacary Sagna

AFC Bournemouth v Manchester City - Premier League Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

Most likely one of the bigger signings of the club is right back Bacary Sagna. The 35 year old has played with big name clubs Arsenal (7 seasons from 2007-2014) and Manchester City (3 seasons 2014-2017). For his ability to hold the ball and make strong passes Bacary will help a struggling right back position. His addition will also help the Impact on set plays because even at 5’9” he is able to impose himself in the box.

With 65 appearances for the French national team alongside of his 267 Premiere League games, Bacary brings a lot of experience to the club and will likely be the most interesting addition to the club during this transfer window.


While these additions might not solve all the problems the Impact have they add depth to their lineup and could help them keep their position. The major issue remains their lack of a star striker that would push them above and beyond many other MLS teams. Garde has definitely made an difference in the signings and is bringing the club in a different direction, hopefully management continues to give him the support he needs to fulfill his vision for the club.