Six days into 2025, we may have seen the biggest bombshell of the Canadian Premier League off-season with four months to go.

Both Mo Babouli and Brian Wright have been spotted training with reigning CPL Shield winners Forge FC.

Yes, you read that right.

The Hammers posted a video on X of the club's return to the pitch for pre-season, and fans were quick to spot the duo.



The two forwards had their contract with York United expire at the end of the 2024 season, and the Nine Stripes haven't announced any extensions.

At the moment, both players are free agents and are free to train with any team.

While this would be an absolute bombshell of news, it’s not uncommon for players to train with clubs purely for fitness purposes. For example, last year, Niko Giantsopoulos trained with Cavalry but ultimately signed with York.

Despite this, both players would be excellent fits for the team. With 2024 Canadian Premier League MVP Tristan Borges’ contract having expired and his future uncertain, Mo Babouli could be an ideal replacement in the #10 role.

The Hammers have also faced significant struggles in front of goal since Kwasi Poku's transfer to RWD Molenbeek. Brian Wright, who tallied 9 goals and 6 assists in 25 appearances across all competitions last year, could fill a key gap that Forge has been grappling with for several months. Not to mention he was also voted the Players' Player of the Year in 2024.



A return for Mo Babouli? The Syrian international already knows what playing for Forge is. From 2020 to 2021, he made 43 appearances across all competitions with the Hamilton side, scoring 12 times and tallying 6 assists. In his time in The Hammer, he won the 2020 North Star Shield.

In other Forge-related news, captain Kyle Bekker – who is officially out of contract – is also training with the club, with the skipper signing a contract extension more than likely.