August 23 – Canadian Premier League club Forge FC, based in Hamilton, has set a transfer league record with the move of local star Kwasi Poku to RWD Molenbeek in Belgium.
The previous transfer record for the 5-year-old CPL was $500,000 set last year for the transfer of Cavalry FC forward Goteh Ntignee to French Ligue 2 side FC Annecy.
Poku’s transfer fee is reckoned to be about $600,000. If Poku keeps developing and makes a big money move into one of Europe’s Big 5 leagues then Forge will pick up a further solidarity fee.
The transfer is significant not just because it marks a new record for the CPL that is battling to establish itself with financially sustainable clubs, but also because it reinforces the league and in this case Forge FC’s, talent development capabilities.
Poku, 21, was converted from a left back to a striker earlier this season following an injury crisis. In 14 games since moving upfront he has scored 10 goals, including two against MLS opposition CF Montréal and Toronto FC, as well as eight in the CPL, helping Forge towards the top of the table.
He has now played 70 games for Forge, winning two CPL titles and playing in the Canadian Championship and Concacaf Champions Cup. At international level, Poku represented Canada at the 2022 Concacaf U-20 Championship, appearing in all four of the Canadian team’s matches.
RWD Molenbeek plays in the second tier of Belgian club football and has a reputation for developing talent. The club is owned by John Textor’s multi-cub ownership vehicle Eagle Holdings.
“When you look at Kwasi, we’re ecstatic for him,” Forge head coach and sporting director Bobby Smyrniotis said at a news conference before his team’s CPL match against York United on Friday. “We’re very happy on his progress and what he’s meant to the team this year.
“In this beautiful game of football, when you do a very good job the market determines what’s next. And what’s next for him is moving overseas.”
The market is beginning to work for the CPL and its clubs, and at a crucial time for the development of the Canadian game.
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