CF Montréal has signed American defender Jalen Neal from the LA Galaxy on a 3-year U22 Initiative contract with an option for the 2028 season.
In return, the reigning MLS Cup champions will receive $450,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money (GAM), $200,000 in 2026 GAM, and a 2025 international roster spot.
Bienvenue Jalen ??
— CF Montréal (@cfmontreal) January 6, 2025
Le CF Montréal fait l'acquisition du défenseur Jalen Neal du @LAGalaxy >>> https://t.co/8qiTR7nHhP
The Club acquires defender Jalen Neal from the LA Galaxy >>> https://t.co/Vuo67BxfBa#CFMTL pic.twitter.com/84I5zWKO3Y
“We are very excited to welcome a promising young defender to Montreal,” said CF Montréal President and CEO Gabriel Gervais. “Jalen fits the profile of the modern defender we wanted to add to our squad, being technically talented, quick and versatile. Despite his young age, he already has significant MLS and international experience. We are convinced that he will help us improve our defence this season and for the future.”
An LA Galaxy academy product, Neal won MLS Cup with his side in 2024, accumulating over 2,500 minutes throughout 34 games across 2023 and 2024.
He has made six appearances for the United States men's national team, winning the U20 Concacaf Championship in 2022 and being named to the tournament's best XI.
