OFFICIAL: De Brienne To GAIS For Undisclosed Fee

As was reported ahead of the New Year, Atletico Ottawa full-back Matteo de Brienne will take his next steps in Sweden’s top flight.

The move comes on a long-term deal valid through to 2029, with GAIS acquiring the 22-year-old for an undisclosed fee from his Canadian Premier League hometown club Atletico Ottawa.

Matteo’s second spell with Atletico Ottawa saw him dazzle in CPL circles, with the attack-minded full-back bursting down the left flank as he tallied 31 appearances and four assists for the red-and-white, who bowed out in the playoff semi-finals.

Atletico Ottawa triggered his club option for 2025 ahead of the sale, marking an astute piece of business given that they signed him on a free transfer last year despite him having a big contract increase tabled by Valour and a firm offer from Seattle Sounders’ feeder team Tacoma Defiance, too.

Atletico Ottawa assistant general manager JD Ulanowski says that losing the full-back is a bittersweet thing for the club, with De Brienne having cemented himself as a crucial part of the time following his arrival from Valour.

His time in Winnipeg saw him rack up six goals and three assists in 44 appearances, earning a Best U-21 Canadian Player of the Year award in 2023.

GAIS proved to be one of the top teams in Sweden this season, finishing in sixth place. A founding member of the league, the Mackerels endured a yo-yo period of promotions and relegations before back-to-back promotions restored top flight status and teed up a top half finish this year.

For his part, De Brienne is happy to have been able to represent his hometown club before pursuing his dreams in Europe.

“I now have an opportunity to continue and further my dreams in Sweden,” said the full-back to the Ottleti faithful. “I will do my best to make you all proud.  There is a quote that stuck with me. ‘The magic is in the work you avoid, keep yourself accountable and be better than yesterday’. That’s what drives me every day! Thank you, Ottawa.”

There has been a growing amount of CPL transfers to Europe, with Goteh Ntignee earning a league record transfer move to Ligue 2’s FC Annecy in 2023 before Kwasi Poku smashed that record in his move to RWD Molenbeek this year.

Atletico Ottawa is expected to announce Mexican head coach Diego Mejia in the near future, with key defender Amer Didic re-signing last week.

Header Image Photo Credit: Matt Zambonin / Freestyle Photography