CF Montreal announced Monday the acquisition of American defender Jalen Neal in return for an amount of $450,000 in general allocation money (GAM) in 2025, an amount of $200,000 in GAM in 2026 and an international player place in 2025.
Neal also signed a “U22 Initiative” contract for the 2025, 2026 and 2027 seasons, in addition to an option year in 2028.
“We are delighted to welcome this promising young defender to Montreal,” said CF Montreal President and CEO Gabriel Gervais. Jalen fits the profile of the modern defender we wanted to add to our squad, being technically good, fast and versatile. Despite his young age, he already has significant experience in MLS and on the international scene. We are convinced that he will help us defensively this season and for the future. »
A product of the LA Galaxy Academy, the 21-year-old recently won the 2024 MLS Cup. Neal accumulated 2,671 minutes in 34 games, including 28 starts, during the 2023 and 2024 MLS seasons with the Galaxy. He also played three US Open Cup matches and five Leagues Cup matches.
Neal found himself in the MLS 22 Under 22 rankings two years in a row (9th in 2024 and 14th in 2023).
The Lakewood, California native joined the LA Galaxy Academy in 2016 and was promoted to the reserve team in 2020. Neal played 3,895 minutes in 47 matches in the USL Championship as well as one playoff match playoffs.
On the international stage, Neal has six caps with the United States senior national team and represented his country in the Gold Cup in 2023. In 2022, he helped the United States win the Concacaf U20 Championship and was named to the tournament’s star eleven.
