CF Montréal snatches Prince Owusu from rival Toronto FC in bold 2025 power move | OneFootball

CF Montréal announced the signing of forward Prince Owusu, and already, the buzz is on. On a two-year deal through 2026, plus an option for 2027, the 28-year-old German forward joins in at an important moment for the club as it looks to balance competitiveness in attack after an up-and-down season.

A carefully calculated deal

To bring Owusu in, Montréal had to give up as much as $250,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM), including $175,000 guaranteed and $75,000 in conditional GAM, in a deal with rival Toronto FC. An investment at this level in a player already known to MLS demonstrates that the club is targeting consistency and quick results.

“With his addition, we are strengthening our roster with a powerful forward known for his physical attributes, ability to shield the ball, willingness to press defenders and consistent offensive output", clarified Gabriel Gervais, CF Montréal's president and CEO on why they chose the attacker. More like, Owusu was brought in to fill the big hole left upfront after a performance with much width during this last season.

Experience in MLS and Europe

Owusu has spent the last season and a half with Toronto FC, notching 12 goals in 45 matches. Those aren't necessarily numbers that leap off the page, but for context, a Toronto team scrounging around for consistent bright spots got more positives from Owusu than most others.

Before his MLS stint, the forward had made his career in Germany with clubs like TSV 1860 Munich, SC Paderborn 07, and SSV Jahn Regensburg. Such European experience would not only adequately prepare him for MLS challenges, but also the level of maturity could be differentiating in Montréal's attack.

Piecing into Laurent Courtois system

Head coach Laurent Courtois has the task in his second season of fitting Owusu into a roster that already signed another name in Giacomo Vrioni from New England Revolution. Whereas Vrioni will occupy a Designated Player slot, Owusu arrives as a Targeted Allocation Money signing, evidence that the club is investing smartly while attempting to develop a balanced attack.

His experience in Canada and MLS should make the adaptation easier and bring an immediate impact.

Expectations for the 2025 season

With the season opener set for February 22 against Atlanta United, CF Montréal faces a challenging schedule right from the start. Owusu and Vrioni will be the pillars of a revamped attack that must perform from day one. Pressure is on, but there is also room for optimism: the combination of experience, versatility, and a desire to prove his value might be exactly what the club needed.

But Major League Soccer can be unpredictable, and it often takes time for new signings to adapt to the new tactical system and speed of play. Meanwhile, Owusu will have to prove that he is something more than an athletic and reliable player who knows how to make the difference when the moment requires it.

If everything goes according to plan, Owusu might just become one of the mainstays in Montréal going into the 2025 season. Not only would he bring in goals, but also the physical presence and experience. For now, there is every reason for the club's fans to stay tuned. Owusu might just be that man to lead the attack in 2025. Only one question is left: will he pull it off?