It’s not easy to walk into Jesse Marsch’s Canadian men’s national team a year out from the first FIFA World Cup on Canadian soil.
It’s intense, fast, and brimming with world-class talent, all in an effort to put a defined identity on the pitch next summer. Yet, it’s also a launching ground—a spot for the next wave of Canadians to elevate their game and look towards higher levels.
Last summer, it was Ismael Koné and Derek Cornelius who earned moves to Ligue 1 after standout performances in the Copa América. This summer, a new stage might just be calling for CF Montréal midfielder Nathan Saliba.
“My dreams would be to go as far as I can and get to Europe,” the 20-year-old Canadian central midfielder told in a downtown Toronto hotel, hours after he had reportedly agreed to terms with Anderlecht in the Belgian first division.
“I don't want to put ceilings on myself or limit myself. I aim to play at a higher level whenever possible. Hopefully, I can get to Europe and achieve that by the end of my career, but I'd say I'm very happy with how things are going.”
While Montréal has yet to agree on a transfer and has him under contract through 2025, with an option for 2026, Saliba’s future likely lies beyond the shores of the St. Lawrence River.
Over the last two seasons, he’s shown glimpses of just how good he can be, taking over the tempo and pace of games in MLS and attracting Marsch’s attention along the way.
“I think I've made some mistakes in not always including him enough, because I think he's a high-potential player for us,” Marsch said of Saliba in March. “I think he fits a lot of the profiles that we like for a player in that midfield position, so I'm excited to spend more time with him.”
