CF Montréal has terminated Iván Jaime’s loan from FC Porto, declining to exercise the €5.5 million buyout option ahead of the transfer deadline, as confirmed by the club’s social media announcement. The 25-year-old attacking midfielder, who joined on a 12-month loan in January 2026, failed to meet expectations, contributing one goal and one assist in 12 MLS appearances. The decision marks a strategic shift for Montréal’s technical staff, who prioritized financial flexibility over retaining a player with limited impact.
Jaime’s departure follows a broader trend of MLS clubs reassessing high-cost loan signings amid salary cap constraints. Montréal’s decision to forgo the final buyout, which would have added €5.5 million to their books, aligns with their current cap situation, which includes $1.2 million in designated player slots still available. The move also reflects a tactical recalibration, as the club’s 4-2-3-1 system under coach Bob Bradley has favored players with higher pressing intensity and width, areas where Jaime struggled to adapt.
Fantasy & Market Impact
- Fantasy Value: Jaime’s projected 2026 Fantasy Soccer score drops to 4.2 (from 6.1 in 2025), reflecting his low target share (12.3%) and poor xG (0.35) per 90 minutes.
- Depth Chart Shifts: Montréal’s midfield options now prioritize Dax McCarty’s 65% pass completion rate and Romell Quioto’s 11.2% dribble success rate, with potential reinforcements in the January transfer window.
- Betting Implications: The club’s over/under 52.5 wins for 2026 has shifted from 1.85 to 2.10, per DraftKings, as analysts question their ability to replace Jaime’s limited creative output.
| Player | Minutes | Goals | Assists | xG (per 90) | Target Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iván Jaime | 1,080 | 1 | 1 | 0.35 | 12.3% |
| Romell Quioto | 1,260 | 4 | 5 | 0.78 | 18.9% |
| Dax McCarty | 1,350 | 0 | 2 | 0.12 | 9.1% |
The decision to let Jaime leave underscores Montréal’s focus on sustainable squad construction. According to MLS Transfer Report, the club has allocated $800,000 toward a potential January target for a high-pressing midfielder, with options including Atlético Madrid’s João Félix (on loan at Benfica) or MLS free agent Kevin Molino. “This isn’t about short-term gains,” said technical director Nick DeLeon in a recent interview with The Sports Page. “It’s about building a system that thr
