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Impact Confirm Taider Move

Algerian midfielder is off to Saudi to join Al-Ain

MLS: Champions League Quarterfinal-CD Olimpia at Montreal Impact
Saphir Taider - “It was an opportunity I couldn’t refuse.”
Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

Montreal Impact has confirmed the news that had been swirling about all afternoon on twitter about their #8.

Algerian international Saphir Taider has joined Al-Ain, an ambitious club from the city of Al-Bahah in the Hejaz area of Saudi Arabia.

Al-Ain has been promoted twice in the last three seasons, and 2020 will be their first-ever season in the Saudi Pro League, the top division in the country.

In a statement Sporting Director Olivier Renard said, “The club would like to thank Saphir for his three seasons in Montreal and everything he’s accomplished on the field. An opportunity presented itself and the club worked to meet Saphir’s desire, which concluded in this transfer.”

The player who is 4th overall in MLS goals and joint-fourth overall in MLS assists for the Impact had this to say...

“It was an opportunity I couldn’t refuse. I leave with a broken heart, because I felt really good in this club and my family loves this city. I hold very fond memories. I would like to thank my teammates, the staff, Olivier Renard, Thierry Henry, owner Joey Saputo, who has gone above and beyond for my family and I, here and in Bologna, and finally the supporters, who made me feel at home since my arrival. This is not goodbye…why not come back one day.”

The size of the fee was not disclosed.