Fernandez: De Brienne Welcome In Ottawa ‘Whenever He Wants’

Back in 2020, Matteo de Brienne – then a prolific, highly-touted, but largely untested Whitecaps Academy product – saw his first Canadian Premier League stint come and go without an appearance.

That was with hometown side Atletico Ottawa, who recruited him before the Island Games and let him go afterwards. He’s now a regular feature for Valour FC, where he’s grown by leaps and bounds since breaking through late last season.

Back in the nation’s capital, there’s a contingent of fans who believe Atletico Ottawa erred in letting him slip through their fingers, but Atletico Ottawa CEO Fernando Lopez surprised fans this week by sending out an open invitation for De Brienne to return.

According to the Atletico Ottawa executive, the door is wide open for the young full-back to return ‘whenever he wants’. While he’s getting good minutes with Valour, one never knows how a seed is planted.

De Brienne’s contract with Valour FC runs through to the end of the season, at which points he might have a choice to make. A fast-paced full-back who has a keen eye for spectacular goals, it’s no secret that his stock has risen over in Winnipeg.

According to Transfermarkt, Matteo de Brienne has reportedly been watched by a few Major League Soccer sides, too.

His Winnipeg-based side has dropped down to seventh in league standings, where the impact of one of the league’s best defensive records has been negated by a lack of goals at the other end.

Intra-league movement in the CPL typically takes place firmly in quiet shadows, so it’s interesting to see one club openly engage in the idea of bringing in a player actively rostered with another team.

Atletico Ottawa is making a splash of late, bringing in former Real Zaragoza captain Alberto Zapater and Swiss-Spanish forward Ruben Del Campo.