Matty Longstaff’s CF Montréal Move Leaves Fans Gasping — His New Role? Pure Mayhem!
You’ve seen some big moves shake up MLS before, but this one feels especially intriguing. CF Montréal just picked up midfielder Matty Longstaff from Toronto FC, sending Jules-Anthony Vilsaint and up to $275,000 in General Allocation Money the other way.
At 25, Longstaff came through Newcastle United’s academy and played at Northumbria University. He’s bringing Premier League experience and a growing résumé in North America.
You’re getting a player who fought back from an ACL injury, made 49 appearances, and scored twice for Toronto. That took resilience and consistency, especially in a crowded midfield.
His style? Sharp passing, relentless work rate, and a knack for giving Montréal a reliable option both in possession and when pressing.
This move isn’t just about depth. Montréal wanted a proven professional who could influence matches right away.
With his English football background and solid MLS adaptation, Longstaff should compete for a starting spot. He brings something new to Montréal’s midfield structure.
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Matty Longstaff’s Transfer to CF Montreal
CF Montréal added a proven midfielder in Matty Longstaff. His English Premier League and MLS experience should strengthen the squad.
The deal involved a player-for-player swap with Toronto FC and a notable amount of General Allocation Money. It’s both a roster and financial move.
Details of the Transfer Deal
CF Montréal closed the deal on August 13, 2025, bringing Longstaff over from Toronto FC. In exchange, they sent forward Jules-Anthony Vilsaint, $225,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money, and a conditional $50,000 in 2026 GAM.
Longstaff, 25, had spent two seasons with Toronto FC after coming up at Newcastle United’s academy. He played 49 MLS matches for Toronto, scoring 2 goals and adding 3 assists.
Matty Longstaff Career Snapshot
| Club | Years | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newcastle United | 2019–2023 | 14 (Premier League) | 2 | 0 |
| Toronto FC | 2023–2025 | 49 (MLS) | 2 | 3 |
| Mansfield Town (loan) | 2022 | 16 | 6 | 2 |
This transfer gives Montréal a midfielder with both domestic and international experience. He’s played in the FA Cup and the Scottish Premiership too.
General Allocation Money and Financial Aspects
General Allocation Money (GAM) is a big part of how MLS clubs build their rosters. In this deal, Montréal sent Toronto $225,000 in guaranteed 2025 GAM, plus a conditional $50,000 in 2026 GAM tied to Longstaff’s roster status.
Toronto stands to benefit financially if Longstaff stays with Montréal into 2026. For Montréal, the price feels pretty balanced—they add a starter-level midfielder without burning a Designated Player slot.
GAM can reduce a player’s salary budget charge, help sign new players, or let clubs re-sign existing ones. By using GAM instead of straight cash, Montréal kept some flexibility under the MLS salary cap while still meeting Toronto’s valuation of Longstaff.
Role of Jules-Anthony Vilsaint in the Trade
Jules-Anthony Vilsaint, 21, heads to Toronto FC as part of the trade. The Montréal-born forward joined CF Montréal’s first team in 2022 after time in the Royal Antwerp academy.
Over three MLS seasons, Vilsaint made 41 appearances and scored 5 goals. His pace and finishing give Toronto a young attacking option who might grow into a regular starter.
For Montréal, trading Vilsaint opened a roster spot for Longstaff. It also addressed a bigger need in central midfield.
Toronto gets a forward under contract who can contribute right away and fits their long-term plans.
Check out the official CF Montréal announcement for more transaction details.
Matty Longstaff’s Playing Profile
Longstaff blends a high work rate with sharp decision-making in tight spaces. His background at Newcastle United and time in MLS give him a balanced mix of technical skill and tactical awareness that fits CF Montréal’s needs.
Midfield Strengths and Style of Play
Matty Longstaff plays as a central midfielder who values quick ball circulation and positional discipline.
He’s comfortable receiving under pressure and moving the ball forward with short, accurate passes.
In a compact midfield, he closes passing lanes and forces turnovers. His pressing is smart—he helps keep team shape while still disrupting opponents.
Longstaff likes to shoot from distance. At Newcastle, he scored some memorable goals from outside the box, showing an eye for timing late runs.
That ability still shows up in MLS, giving you another attacking threat from midfield.
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Pass Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Toronto FC | 22 | 3 | 2 | 85% |
| 2025 | CF Montréal | 4 | 1 | 0 | 87% |
Position Versatility: Midfielder and Forward
Longstaff mostly plays as a midfielder, but he can push into an advanced role when needed. You can use him as a second striker or attacking midfielder to link play between the lines.
This flexibility lets the coach tweak formations without using up substitutions.
When CF Montréal needs more pressing up top, he can step forward and harry defenders, then drop back when they lose possession.
At Toronto FC, he adapted his positioning depending on what the team needed. That’s handy—one player can cover two tactical roles without losing much effectiveness.
Contribution to Team Depth
Longstaff boosts CF Montréal’s depth in midfield and up front. You get someone who can step in for injuries or suspensions and keep the quality high.
He’s played in England’s Premier League and MLS, so he’s got a steady temperament for big matches. That reliability helps you rotate the squad confidently when the schedule gets packed.
For the Bleu-blanc-noir, he’s more than just a guy filling a roster spot. He brings endurance, technical skill, and adaptability that keep your lineup options open all season.
For more on his move, check out CF Montréal’s official transfer announcement.
Performance at Toronto FC
Matty Longstaff brought a steady midfield presence to Toronto FC after leaving Newcastle United’s academy. He came up in England’s youth system and had Premier League experience, so he offered reliable ball movement and a knack for arriving late in the box.
His stint in Toronto wasn’t long, but he made it count.
Appearances and Key Statistics
You mostly saw Longstaff in action early in the 2024 MLS season. He didn’t play a ton, but he made an impact when he did.
His standout moment? Scoring against CF Montréal in the first Canadian Classique of 2024—a 5-1 win—after slipping into the box at just the right time.
Here’s a quick look at his Toronto FC stats:
| Season | Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | MLS | 8 | 1 | 0 | 412 |
| 2024 | Canadian Championship | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 (bench) |
He usually played as a central midfielder, sometimes pushing up to support the attack. His passing accuracy stayed above 80%, and he averaged just over one key pass per 90 minutes.
The sample size isn’t huge, but when he played, he contributed efficiently.
Impact on Team Dynamics
Longstaff’s style fit Toronto FC’s approach pretty well. He kept the ball moving, giving wingers and forwards space to work.
He played simple, accurate passes and helped the team control the tempo in possession.
When Toronto needed more defensive stability, he dropped deeper to shield the back line. That gave the coaching staff some tactical options.
He also brought professionalism from his Newcastle United days, which younger players picked up on. Even if he wasn’t a regular starter, his presence in training and matches added depth and versatility.
When he left for CF Montréal in August 2025, Toronto lost a midfielder who could adapt to different roles. But it also showed the club wanted to retool for the stretch run.
Career Highlights Before MLS
Matty Longstaff’s name started popping up in England early on. He made an immediate impact in top-flight football.
His early years included some standout Premier League goals, domestic cup appearances, and loan spells across different leagues and styles.
Newcastle United FC and Premier League Experience
You probably first noticed Longstaff when he broke into Newcastle United’s first team in 2019 after coming through the academy. He went to John Spence Community High School and grew up as a Newcastle supporter, making his debut even sweeter.
On 6 October 2019, he scored the only goal in a 1–0 win over Manchester United at St James’ Park. That strike—from outside the box—won Premier League Goal of the Month.
He scored again against United in the reverse fixture.
His league stats for Newcastle:
| Season | Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–20 | Premier League | 9 | 2 |
| 2020–21 | Premier League | 5 | 0 |
| Total | Premier League | 14 | 2 |
Longstaff showed flashes of composure and range in midfield. Injuries and tough competition for places limited his minutes after that debut season.
FA Cup and Carabao Cup Matches
Longstaff got his first taste of domestic cup competitions with Newcastle United. He made his senior debut on 28 August 2019 in the Carabao Cup against Leicester City, starting in midfield.
In the FA Cup, he played during the 2019–20 campaign and picked up some valuable minutes against lower-league teams. He didn’t score in these games, but his performances had plenty of energy and he stayed disciplined tactically.
Here’s his cup record for Newcastle:
| Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| FA Cup | 5 | 1 |
| Carabao Cup | 1 | 0 |
These matches really showed how he could handle different tempos and the physical side of football outside the Premier League.
Loan Spells: Aberdeen, Mansfield Town, and Colchester United FC
To get more playing time, Longstaff went out on loan. He first joined Aberdeen in Scotland in 2021, making 5 appearances in the Scottish Premiership before Newcastle recalled him mid-season.
In January 2022, he moved to Mansfield Town in League Two. That spell turned out to be his most productive away from Newcastle, with 6 goals in 16 league matches. He found more chances to get forward and finished well from midfield.
Later in 2022, he joined Colchester United, also in League Two. He played 7 league matches and 3 EFL Trophy games, but a knee injury cut his loan short. All these experiences gave him a broader view of the game and shaped the player who would eventually move abroad.
You can check out his Wikipedia profile for more on his career path.
Professional Debut and Early Development
You see a player whose journey has been shaped by early training, competitive minutes, and family ties in football. From academy drills to the Premier League stage, each step added something to his foundation.
Academy Roots and Youth Progression
Matty Longstaff grew up in Rotherham, England, and joined Newcastle United’s academy as a teenager. He spent years working with coaches and playing youth matches, gradually sharpening his technical skills and learning the tactical side of the game.
He made his professional debut for Newcastle United in August 2019, starting in a Premier League match against Manchester United. That day sticks out—not just for the debut, but because he scored the winning goal.
Before breaking into the first team, he played for Newcastle’s U18 and U23 squads, facing off against future top-division players. The academy drilled him on ball control, pressing, and quick passing—skills he brought with him to senior football.
Early Career Snapshot
| Season | Club | Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–20 | Newcastle United | Premier League | 14 | 2 | 0 |
| 2019–20 | Newcastle United | FA Cup | 5 | 1 | 0 |
Family Connections: Sean Longstaff
It’s impossible to ignore the influence of his older brother, Sean Longstaff, who also came up through Newcastle’s ranks. Having Sean in the first team gave Matty a clear target to aim for.
The two brothers even shared the pitch for Newcastle, which is pretty rare in the Premier League. They brought a unique understanding and chemistry from all those shared training sessions.
Sean made his debut earlier and settled into the squad first, so Matty had someone to lean on for advice about handling the step up. That support helped him manage everything from media attention to the speed of the professional game.
Their careers went in different directions in terms of position and style, but the Newcastle academy experience kept them connected as professionals.
Expectations and Future with CF Montreal
Matty Longstaff arrives in Montreal with a solid record from England and some MLS experience. He’s versatile in midfield, and his background in different competitions gives you a pretty good idea of how he might fit into CF Montréal’s squad for both league and cup matches.
Potential Impact in MLS Competitions
You can expect Longstaff to bring a steady presence and tactical discipline to CF Montréal’s midfield. He’s already shown with Newcastle United in the Premier League and Toronto FC in MLS that he can handle different styles of play.
He’s not the guy who racks up goals, but he links play well and keeps possession under pressure. That’s huge in tough MLS matches where midfield control can make all the difference.
MLS Career Stats
| Club | Games Played | Starts | Goals | Assists | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto FC | 49 | 36 | 2 | 3 | 3,133 |
| Newcastle United | 14 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 1,050 |
With Montreal’s pacey wingers, Longstaff’s passing range could create more direct chances. You’ll probably see him in a box-to-box role, balancing defense and attack.
Role in TELUS Canadian Championship and Leagues Cup
Knockout competitions like the TELUS Canadian Championship demand players who can adapt quickly. Longstaff has already scored in this tournament with Toronto, so he knows what it takes in high-pressure moments.
The Leagues Cup gives him another chance to contribute. He’s faced both MLS and international opponents before, which should help when Montreal meets Liga MX sides. He’s good at breaking up counters and starting attacks, so look for him to step up in those transitional moments.
These tournaments mean lots of squad rotation. Longstaff’s fitness and reliability make him a solid pick for multiple starts in a short span, keeping the midfield fresh without losing quality.
Management Perspective: Luca Saputo
Luca Saputo, CF Montréal’s Managing Director, didn’t hide the fact that Longstaff’s arrival is about adding depth and experience. He believes Longstaff can really push the team to a higher level.
You can check out Saputo’s full comments in the official announcement. He thanks outgoing forward Jules-Anthony Vilsaint and points out what makes Longstaff stand out.
Saputo likes players who can fit into the club’s sporting approach. Longstaff’s time at Newcastle United’s academy, his stint in Scotland, and his MLS experience all fit that vision. Honestly, you can probably expect him to play a meaningful role right from the beginning.
