MONTREAL — CF Montreal has started its rebuild quickly.
The Major League Soccer club announced Wednesday that it has acquired 21-year-old defender Efraín Morales from Atlanta United in return for US$450,000 in 2025 general allocation money (GAM) and $350,000 in conditional GAM.
Atlanta would also retain a percentage of a future transfer involving Morales
The move came hours after club executives published an open letter to fans that acknowledged the team's shortcomings and stated the club would begin a new chapter rooted in ambition, pride and winning.
President and CEO Gabriel Gervais, managing director of recruitment and sporting methodology Luca Saputo and managing director of academy strategy and roster management Simone Saputo signed the letter.
Montreal is currently languishing at the bottom of the MLS with a 3-15-6 record — for 15 points in 24 games — and dropped out of the Canadian Championship with a quarterfinal loss to lower-tier Forge FC of the Canadian Premier League in a bleak season.
The letter said supporters would see concrete steps toward a rebuild in the upcoming transfer windows. The MLS summer window, which allows clubs to sign players plying their trades in other countries, opens Thursday.
Montreal had the league's lowest payroll last season. Morales is making $112,019 this year, according to the website Spotrac.com.
Morales began his professional career in 2020 with Atlanta United 2, where he had three goals and an assist over three USL Championship seasons and three MLS Next Pro seasons.
He made his MLS debut with Atlanta in a 3-0 victory over the Charlotte Independence in the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup on May 7, 2024.
Over two MLS seasons, Morales has played 648 minutes over nine games and picked up one assist. He also played in three U.S. Open Cup games.
Born in Decatur, Ga., Morales represents Bolivia on the international stage.
Full letter:
"We have not met the standards we set for ourselves, nor those you have the right to expect. That is why we felt the need to communicate with you directly today.
We share your dissatisfaction with the Club’s results, and it is our responsibility to build a winning team that we can all be proud of.
That is why we have decided to undertake a rebuild and launch a new chapter at CF Montréal. A chapter based on ambition and pride. A new era with victory at the heart of our sporting ambitions, while also honouring our rich history and the connection with you, our 12th player.
We know that trust is regained through actions. As such, during the upcoming transfer windows, you will see concrete steps, a committed team, and strong initiatives aimed at rebuilding, together, a Club that deserves your loyalty."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 23, 2025.
The Canadian Press
