TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signings
The Montreal Impact just missed out on the Audi 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs and with their season over, Remi Garde has begun building his squad for 2019.
Montreal announced the signing of two Homegrown defenders on Friday, adding left back Daniel Kinumbe and right back/midfielder Clement Bayiha to their backline depth. The each signed contracts for 2019 with three option years.
"Daniel Kinumbe and Clement Bayiha are two young players with good potential," said Impact head coach Remi Garde in a statement. "They put a lot of work in training during the 2018 preseason with the pros and I think they have an interesting progress margin."
Kinumbe, 19, attended training camp with the Impact first team in 2018 before finishing his season with the Impact Under-19's. He then signed with Ottawa Fury FC on August 6 for the remainder of the 2018 USL season. He played three games, including two starts. The defender was raised in Sherbrooke, Quebec, before playing for club Panellinios. He then joined the Montreal Impact Academy in 2016.
"I would like to thank those close to me and my coaches who have supported me, as well as the Montreal Impact for this opportunity," said defender Daniel Kinumbe. "Signing this contract means so much to me. I need to continue to progress in order to reach my objectives and help the team reach theirs."
Bayiha, 19, also attended training camp with the first team in 2018 before concluding his USSDA season. He then signed with Ottawa Fury FC on July 24 for the remainder of the 2018 USL season. The midfielder born in Yaounde, Cameroon, joined the Montreal Impact Academy in 2016 from club AS Blainville. He made his debut with Canada's U21 team at the Toulon Tournament on Sunday, June 3, against Japan.
"I'm proud to have signed my first MLS contract with the Montreal Impact, my city's club," said Bayiha. "I would like to thank Remi Garde for putting his confidence in me and for believing in my qualities. I would also like to thank the Montreal Impact Academy and AS Blainville, my last amateur club, which helped perfect my skills and reach the next level."
