Tomas Giraldo Goes To Halifax Wanderers

While his first CPL spell never panned out in 2021, former CF Montreal midfielder Tomas Giraldo will now arrive to the league through the Halifax Wanderers.

The east coast side has signed the 19-year-old to a one-year deal with club options for a further two years.

The central midfielder has been one-to-watch in terms of homegrown talent in La Belle Province, though injuries stalled opportunity in Quebec for the former Canada U-17.

Halifax is now banking that a resurgence is on the cards, and the long-term structure of Giraldo’s deal reflects head coach Patrice Gheisar‘s valuation of the youngster.

“Tomas has exceeded at every level that he’s been at with Montreal, and the fact that he got a first-team deal there at a young age speaks volumes about his abilities and mental strength. He’s a midfielder capable of breaking up plays and helping us win possession,” said Gheisar. 

Giraldo has featured for Canada at the U-17 level, featuring regularly in the Concacaf U-17 Championship and joining the team for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he came on as a substitute for Toronto FC’s Ralph Priso in a 2-1 loss to Angola.

The 19-year-old was born in Colombia but moved to Canada as a child, playing for Montreal-based sides Braves d’Ahuntsic and FSS Salaberry before joining the CF Montreal Academy system and turning heads.

He signed a first-team contract with CF Montreal back in 2020 alongside former Atletico Ottawa loanee Keesean Ferdinand, who’s now trialing with Portland Timbers 2. Giraldo was set for a loan to FC Edmonton in 2021, but an injury curtailed the move before his follow-up campaign in 2022 was also cut short after a training injury required foot surgery.

Now with a clean bill of health and arriving as a free agent following the expiry of his contract with CF Montreal, Giraldo is ready to show the Canadian Premier League what he’s made of.

“I am grateful to the Wanderers for this opportunity, and I can’t wait for the season to start,” Giraldo said. “The last two years were especially difficult for me due to my injuries. This season, I am looking forward to enjoying the game again.”

His final season with CF Montreal saw him receive the Jason Di Tullio Trophy, which is awarded to a player who represents the fiery and fighting spirit of the late Di Tullio, who sadly passed away last summer.

The CF Montreal product becomes the second domestic U-21 player to sign with the Halifax Wanderers this year, with the club bringing in Canada U-20 forward Tiago Coimbra.

“Like Tiago, I have no doubt Tomas is going to thrive under the guidance of Patrice and his staff with their track record of developing the future stars of Canada’s Men’s National Team,” added Wanderers Sporting Director Matt Fegan, who appreciate the mental fortitude displayed by Giraldo to get through two seasons of unfortunate injuries.

“After a thorough rehab process, he’s ready to kick on with his career, and we have no doubt he’ll be a great addition to our locker room in Halifax.”

The much-transformed Halifax Wanderers side are looking to instill a brand of attacking, fearless football, and have now brought in nine fresh faces to usher in that area – or eleven, if you count Patrice and his assistant Jorden.

Tomas Giraldo arrives to Halifax on a one-year deal with options for a further two years.