Transfer Tracker

Montreal Impact acquire Ballou Tabla from Barcelona in permanent transfer

Ballou Jean-Yves Tabla - Montreal Impact - solo

TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Transfer


The Montreal Impact have acquired winger Ballou Tabla in a permanent transfer from Barcelona, the club announced Wednesday. He spent the end of 2019 on loan with Montreal. 


Tabla, 20, originally broke through with the Impact in 2017, making 20 MLS appearances (11 starts) with two goals and two assists. He then joined Barcelona B ahead of the 2018 season, where he made 30 appearances from then before being loaned back to the Impact in August of 2019.


"We are happy to have Ballou back with us following this transfer," Impact sporting director Olivier Renard said in a statement. "The talent of this young Quebecer was never put into question. Now it's up to him to do everything and bounce back."


On top of his time with Barcelona B, Tabla was loaned to Albacete Balompié in Spain's second division and made two appearances. He made his debut with the Canadian national team in 2018, one of a few young budding attacking talents alongside Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David.


The Impact continue to build their roster under head coach Thierry Henry ahead of their first competitive match on February 19 in the Concacaf Champions League against Saprissa. They open their MLS season at home on February 29 against the New England Revolution.