Pacific FC Signs Top Defender Amer Didic

Pacific FC has secured the services of top Canadian Premier League defender Amer Didic.

We had reported that the six-foot-four defender was en route to Starlight Stadium last week, where he now arrives as a high-profile replacement for Lukas MacNaughton.

The 27-year-old centre-back has been a staple for the Eddies backline over the last three seasons, making 48 appearances as a regular starter under both Jeff Paulus and Alan Koch. The big six-foot-four centre back has proven to be a commanding presence on the pitch, and led the league in both interceptions and clearances last season.

The announcement of Didic’s arrival as a free agent comes shortly after FC Edmonton confirmed that it had released all but two of its players, with Cavalry FC also announcing that it had picked up Fraser Aird.

Out of all possible intra-league moves from the current Eddies exodus, none will come bigger than securing the signature of Amer Didic – who came close to an MLS contract himself in 2020.

“Amer is one of the best central defenders in the Canadian Premier League,” said Pacific head coach James Merriman, “he brings good experience and leadership qualities to our locker room. Didic is not only a physical presence on the pitch but can also play the style of football we want to play here at Pacific.”

While the stalwart Eddies defender is known for his high workrate on the backline, he’ll offer Pacific FC something on the opposite end, too: he’s a big presence in the air, contributing three goals of corner kicks in 2021 alone:

Born in Bosnia, Didic was raised in Edmonton and was a member of the club’s academy before he departedfor college in the states. He later established himself as a regular for the Swope Park Rangers before a short stint in San Antonio preceded his return home in April 2019.

Didic has also earned two caps with the Canadian national team, scoring on his debut against Barbados in 2020.

He becomes the first brand new player signing confirming by the reigning champions, who also confirmed the return of Emil Gazdov and Sean Young earlier this week.

Related: Luke Singh’s Loan To Pacific To Be Called Off

The Pacific FC backline also has Thomas Meilleur-Giguere and Kunle Dada-Luke coming back, with Abou Samake expected to return as well. Kadin Chung is currently on trial with Toronto FC.

Pacific FC did not disclose the length of its contract with Amer Didic.