Cyle Larin joins Club Brugge

The Canadian Men’s National Team’s all-time top goalscorer, Cyle Larin, joins Club Brugge KV on a three-year deal.

Club Brugge sign free-agent Larin

Cyle is a Bruges Boy! Welcome to the family, @cylelarin16!

— Club Brugge KV (@ClubBrugge) July 4, 2022

The Belgian champions announced the move this morning, to the shock of many Canadian fans: as recently as yesterday, there were reports linking the 27-year-old to a move to Nottingham Forest. Prior to that, it seemed like Olympiacos were the frontrunners.

Fabrizio Romano reported that Brugge’s guaranteed spot in the Champions League group stage was too tempting for Larin to reject:

Former Besiktas striker Cyle Larin is set to join Belgian side Club Brugge on a free transfer. Brugge hijacked the deal after Tigres and Olympiacos interest – UCL group stage made the difference. #transfers

Larin will sign three year contract, medical already completed. pic.twitter.com/tnvgHZCp2W

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 4, 2022

This will be the forward’s second season in the Belgian first division: he spent the 2019-20 campaign on loan with Zulte Waregem. In 29 games, he had seven goals and 10 assists.

It is not clear if Brugge manager Carl Hoefkens views Larin as a replacement to wonderkid Charles de Ketelaere, the club’s top goalscorer last season. The 21-year-old has been heavily linked to a move to AC Milan or Leeds.

Brugge could still be in the market for another striker as they played a 3-5-2 formation most of last season. If de Ketelaere stays, he would make a formidable partner for Larin. The big Belgian is more of a second striker than a pure finisher and would compliment Larin’s playstyle nicely.

Buchanan – Larin – Laryea?

After two seasons with his international teammate Atiba Hutchinson at Beşiktaş, Larin will join forces with Tajon Buchanan in Bruges. Buchanan enjoyed a fantastic debut season in Belgium. He joined in January and became the team’s starting left-wingback en route to winning the title. With Richie Laryea linked to a move to Belgium, Brugge could soon become a must-watch team for Canadians.

Larin leaves behind Beşiktaş with an extensive resume: 39 goals and 13 assists in 109 appearances, a Süper Lig title, a Turkish Cup, and a Super Cup.

He bid farewell to the club on Instagram this weekend:

“We accomplished a lot together. Stood strong during the tough days and from there brought great joy as we went on to win championships. It was an honour to share these moments with all of you who are part of this wonderful Beşiktaş family. Unfortunately, now it is time to say goodbye. Thanks a lot for your support during my time at the club. From the bottom of my heart, I am grateful It’s all LOVE ”

Canadians on the move as Larin joins Club Brugge

Larin is the third member of Team Canada to find a change of scenery so far this transfer window. Charles-Andreas Brym joined Sparta Rotterdam of the Eredivisie in May and it was announced this morning that Steven Vitória will be joining GD Chaves of the Portuguese second division:

Confirmation, Steven Vitótia à Chaves.#CanMNT pic.twitter.com/GUFpAibGnO

— Nilton Jorge (@NiltonJorge) July 4, 2022

Jonathan David and the aforementioned Richie Laryea have been heavily linked with moves away from their clubs, and Doneil Henry is without a club after being waved by LAFC this week.

Where Should Jonathan David go Next?

Photo Credit: Seen in Tweet near the top of the article by Club Brugge, July 4, 2022.

 

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