Philadelphia Union acquire Argentine playmaker Joaquin Torres from CF Montreal

The Philadelphia Union have bolstered their midfield with the signing of Argentine playmaker Joaquin Torres in a trade with CF Montreal, the club announced Thursday.

Philadelphia will pay up to $800k in General Allocation Money (GAM), with $250k due in both 2023 and 2024, while an additional $300k will be payable should Torres hit certain performance markers.

The 25-year-old originally joined Montreal on loan from Argentine top-flight side Newell's Old Boys in 2021 before signing on a permanent basis ahead of last season. Torres played 62 times for Montreal in total across all competitions, scoring seven goals and providing nine assists.

“Joaquín offers a new dimension to our attack with his ball progression skills and aggressive, forward-moving mindset,” Union sporting director Ernst Tanner said in a club statement. “He excels at creating opportunities as well as finishing, and his dynamic, proactive movements are exactly what we were looking to add to our attack.”

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Prior to his spell at Saputo Stadium, Torres spent his entire career with Newell's Old Boys barring a 27-game loan spell with Greek Super League outfit Volos in 2019/20. The attacking midfielder leaves Montreal with a 2021 Canadian Championship winners' medal in hand.

“I would like to thank Joaquín for his contribution during the last two seasons with us in Montreal,” Montréal vice president and chief sporting officer Olivier Renard said in a statement. “We wish him the best of luck in this next chapter of his career.”

CF Montreal begin their 2023 MLS campaign away at Inter Miami on February 25, while the Union host the Columbus Crew on the same day.