Is Dante Sealy a reinforcement or a gamble for CF Montréal? | OneFootball

CF Montréal have signed defender Dante Sealy through 2026 with an option for 2027. The 21-year-old American joins the Canadian club after a short spell as a free agent, having spent five seasons with FC Dallas, scoring two goals and one assist in 42 games. Sealy also had European experience on loan with Jong PSV, the reserve team of PSV Eindhoven, where he played 54 matches, scoring six goals.

Meanwhile, Sealy's arrival in Montréal begs questions. Is he really the reinforcement the club is waiting for? Will he finally establish himself as a key player in MLS, or is he just another name that fades without making any impact?

CF Montréal president and CEO Gabriel Gervais seems assured that Sealy will be a piece capable of growing with significant contribution to the roster: "He's a dynamic player who brings speed and depth to the left flank. Developed in different environments across North America and Europe, he has room to improve and the potential to reach new heights."

But while the front office seems assured, what actually could Sealy bring to the pitch for Montréal?

A Promising young talent into question

At 21 years old, Sealy has navigated through different environments and various competitions, but he has not yet managed to establish himself as a key player anywhere. He struggled for minutes with FC Dallas, where he started his career as a homegrown player, and posted modest numbers over five seasons. While his performances in Jong PSV showed glimpses of potential, they weren't enough to earn him a permanent deal in European soccer.

Sealy wears the tag of an exciting prospect, but so far, the skill hasn't found its way to a breakthrough. He has got speed, is able to function both defensively, and can easily push up from the left side, but needs consistency to really prove Montréal's gamble with him.

The biggest challenge now, though, is proving that he can do well in MLS. The league is getting increasingly competitive, and young players have to make their impact early if they want to avoid the risk of being just another "what could have been" story.

CF Montréal's needs and Sealy's role in the roster

CF Montréal does not boast the monetary muscle of teams like LA Galaxy, Inter Miami, or Seattle Sounders of MLS; this forces the club to be cautious with their signing, opting for players with considerable rooms for growth. Sealy fits the bill: young, with European experience, he might just grow to be that prized asset.

With an adaptation to the team's system, he certainly has every opportunity to earn significant minutes. The Montréal roster wants to be more intense and dynamic for the 2025 season, in which the American defender could very well play his part.

It's now upon the coaching staff to find ways to maximize those strengths. Sealy could bring so much more to the table if he gets utilized properly. On the flip side, should he fail to find a tactical fit, there's the possibility that he ends up as a simple roster member, with little or no actual impact.