MONTREAL – The Montreal Impact announced on Thursday the acquisition of Quebec-born and Canadian international midfielder Samuel Piette, following a permanent transfer from Spanish club CD Izarra. Piette signed a two-and-a-half year contract with the club, with a further option for 2020. He will join the club upon receiving his international transfer certificate and passing his medical.

“We are very excited to add Samuel to our club”, said Impact technical director Adam Braz. “He’s a local player who showed a lot of interest in joining our club and continuing his career at home in Montreal. He’s a young defensive midfielder with a profile and playing style that we like. He has a strong work ethic and a strong desire to help the team. Defensively, he is an aggressive, ball-winning midfielder who is strong and physical. Offensively, he is simple and effective with his passing and keeps the team in possession.”

“I am very happy to join the Impact, the club of my heart, and to have the chance to play in front of my family, friends and our supporters,” said Samuel Piette. “I can’t wait to wear the bleu-blanc-noir jersey and I am looking forward to helping the team reach its objectives.”

Piette, 22, played a total of 46 games in Spain’s third division in the last two years, including 32 with CD Izarra last season. He joined Deportivo La Coruña in 2014 and spent a year on loan with Racing de Ferrol in the 2015-2016 season. He previously played in Germany, in 2013 and 2014, with Fortuna Düsseldorf, appearing in two 2. Bundesliga games as well as 31 games with the youth team.

Piette played his youth soccer in Québec with FC Boisbriand, before joining FC Metz, in France, from 2009 to 2012, following a partnership with the Quebec Soccer Federation.

On the international scene, the Le Gardeur native has recorded two assists in 35 games with the Canadian national team, including 21 starts. He made his senior debut with the Reds at the age of 17, on June 3, 2012, against the United States. He recently took part in the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup, starting all four games during the tournament. He had previously played in the 2013 and 2015 editions, while also appearing in several 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification games. He also represented Canada at the U17, U20 and U23 levels and played in the 2011 FIFA U17 World Cup in Mexico.

Transaction: The Montreal Impact acquires midfielder Samuel Piette, following a permanent transfer from Spanish club CD Izarra.

SAMUEL PIETTE

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5’7”

Weight: 174 lbs

Birthdate and birthplace: November 12, 1994, in Le Gardeur, Quebec

Citizenship: Canada

Last club: CD Izarra (Spain)

Date acquired: August 3, 2017