Forge Signs Congo International Goalkeeper Dimitry Bertaud

Canadian Premier League heavyweight Forge FC has locked in its next big signing, signing DR Congo keeper Dimitry Bertaud to a multi-year deal.

The move comes during the expected exit of Jassem Koleilat, who spent the last two seasons as between the sticks after inheriting the starting spot left by Triston Henry.

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Bertaud, much like new defender Antoine Batisse, brings a plethora of experience from France with him to Hamilton Stadium.

The 27-year-old was a one club man with Montpellier HSC before today’s move, having registered almost nearly fifty appearances for the side in France’s top flight between 2017 and 2025 while also featuring 64 times for the club’s reserve side.

Bertaud was born in France and had played up to the U-23 level for the country’s national team, but now represents DR Congo internationally. He’s carved out 15 caps for them since making his debut in ‘23, most recently featuring in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in September.

Suffice to say, he’s a goalkeeper of high pedigree now set to test his mettle in Canada’s top flight. It’ll be a large change for the goalkeeper, particularly as he joined the Montpellier academy as a 13-year-old and has spent the last 14 years there before his contract expired in the summer of ’25.

He had been shopped to Serie A side Parma in the fall, but with no move forthcoming Forge has done well to swoop in and land the shotstopper.

“Dimitry brings top-level experience and consistency to our goalkeeping group,” adds Forge FC head coach and sporting director Bobby Smyrniotis, who says he’s the kind of signing who raises the standard within the team.

Forge finished the last season as regular season champions but missed out on a ticket to the playoff championship.

The squad will kick off the season early next week by virtue of qualifying for the Concacaf Champions Cup, with the side hosting Liga MX powerhouse Tigres UANL on Tuesday.

In addition to its latest two arrivals from France, Forge also announced the signing of Canada youth international Kevaughn Tavernier earlier in the week.

The goalkeeping contingent for the hammers currently includes Dino Bontis following his option activation, with German goalkeeper Sjard Strauss signing a short-term replacement contract. The club’s last Champions Cup roster update also included Sigma FC youth prospects Emmanuel Marmolejo and Sulaiman Sukkar.

Bertaud isn’t the only goalkeeper to arrive to Canada’s top flight with Ligue1 heritage, with Atletico Ottawa adding Haiti international Garissone Innocent ahead of their own Champions Cup tilt.

Header Image Photo Courtesy: MHSC