MONTREAL — CF Montreal kept its eye on Ivan Jaime for quite some time before finally getting its hands on the Spanish attacking midfielder.
Montreal acquired Jaime on loan from FC Porto with an option to buy on Friday. He becomes Montreal’s second designated player, joining forward Giacomo Vrioni, and arrives in the city with high expectations.
“Ivan is an impact player who takes us to another level,” said Luca Saputo, managing director, recruitment and sporting methodology, at a news conference. “We believe in him a lot, and I think with his qualities, he can take advantage of the space this league offers to attacking players. It’s a win-win deal.”
The 24-year-old’s loan will run until June 30, 2026. Should the move become permanent, Jaime would be under contract in Montreal until Dec. 31, 2027, with option years in 2028 and 2029.
Saputo said negotiations began at the end of July and that Jaime — already long known to CF Montreal and Bologna FC’s executives — saw a project that could help him develop.
“He’s been on our joint recruitment list with Bologna for a few years,” said Saputo, whose father, Joey, owns both clubs. “We had several video calls with him, and we explained the project and the city. He already knew a bit about the league, and he saw that we’re able to sell players and that we give young players opportunities. It all came together naturally.”
Jaime made his professional debut with his hometown club, Malaga, when he was only 17.
In 2020, he joined Portuguese Primeira Liga side Famalicão and broke out in 2022-23 with 11 goals and five assists. He was named the league’s best young player that season.
Jaime played 44 games for FC Porto, producing five goals and two assists after transferring in August 2023. He joined Spain’s Valencia FC on loan earlier this year, appearing in 10 games.
Jaime was set to arrive in Montreal on Friday and already felt ready to play Saturday night against Austin FC, but the club wanted him to train with his new teammates before taking the pitch.
“Technically, he’ll be available against Toronto FC next week,” Saputo said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 22, 2025.
The Canadian Press
