Alessandro Hojabrpour is heading to Europe after signing a one-and-a-half-year contract, with an option for an additional season, with Dutch second-division side FC Emmen.
The 26-year-old midfielder departs Forge after four seasons in Hamilton, winning a title in each of his years with the club. In 2021, he was named the league’s U-21 Player of the Year after scoring the Canadian Premier League final’s game-winning goal with Pacific FC—ironically against Forge.
“With Alessandro, we’re getting a midfielder who controls the game and can move the ball around,” FC Emmen technical director Nico Haak said in a statement. “He’s a true team player and fits in well with our squad.”
Hojabrpour still had a year remaining on his contract with Forge, who will receive an undisclosed transfer fee for the move, though the club has yet to announce it. TrueNorthFoot has reached out for comment.
Hojabrpour formally departed the club after the 2024 season upon the expiration of his contract, before signing a new multi-year deal with Forge weeks later following a trial with Major League Soccer side Orlando City.
The midfielder has been a key figure in Forge’s midfield, and it has been clear for some time that he deserved an opportunity in a higher-level league.
For Forge, his departure leaves a significant void in the centre of the pitch. The club has no natural replacement of his calibre, and with a Champions Cup home clash against Tigres coming up in just two weeks, there is a major question mark heading into kick-off. Khadim Kane has previously filled in during periods when the 26-year-old was unavailable through injury.
The Hammers have added Daniel Krutzen and Ismael Oketo to the roster. Krutzen recently returned from injury after initially retiring at the end of the 2023 season due to persistent knee issues. With Alexander Achinioti-Jönsson’s future still uncertain, the Dutchman is expected to slot into the backline alongside Dan Nimick. Ismael Oketo is expected to remain as a depth option behind striker Brian Wright.
The Forge squad travelled to Cancún for pre-season, where they will face Mexican third-division side Inter Playa del Carmen and MLS outfit Orlando City in preparation for their continental matches against giants Tigres UANL.
