Calling Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau's midseason arrival at Atlético Ottawa a game-changer almost feels like an understatement.
Through seven matches in all competitions since joining the capital club, Fleuriau Chateau has already found the back of the net six times and provided a pair of assists.
In his debut for his hometown club, the 24-year-old scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner and hasn't looked back since. For an Ottawa team that had been lacking a central attacking threat all season since the departure of single-season record goalscorer Sam Salter, Fleuriau Chateau has quickly become a vital missing piece in their puzzle.
As Fleuriau Chateau is proving, the right summer addition can have a big impact on a team's fortunes during the most important part of the season, the CPL Shield chase and the league's playoff race. Some of those crucial signings, of course, have been players returning to the league or moving clubs within it.
But perhaps even more exciting are players like Fleuriau Chateau who are new to the league, but instantly make a name for themselves. Here are five of the biggest and best newcomers to the CPL signed during the summer transfer window in the league's history:
Béni Badibanga, Forge FC (2023)
In July 2023, Forge announced the signing of an experienced Belgian attacker with an impressive resumé: Béni Badibanga.
Over the next few months, and seasons, that name would become a household one, as the electric on-ball magician delivered countless memorable moments. A month later, he scored his first CPL goal with an absolute screamer from a long-range free kick against the Halifax Wanderers. In 12 matches in his first season with the club, he scored three times.
His biggest moment for the club, however, came in the 2023 CPL Final, when he sent yet another unbelievable strike past Marco Carducci to equalize in extra time against Cavalry. Forge went on to win the match, and their fourth CPL title.
David Edgar, Forge FC (2019)
Midway through the Canadian Premier League's first season, Forge made a huge statement when they brought in Canadian men's national team legend David Edgar.
The central defender had previously played for Newcastle United, Burnley and Sheffield United, among others, during ten seasons in the UK, and also earned 42 caps for Canada.
He quickly became a key contributor for Forge's fall season, as well as their first foray into Concacaf competition. He played 90 minutes in both legs of the 2019 CPL Final, where both he and Forge FC would lift their first-ever trophy. Edgar added one more CPL title the following season, before announcing his retirement from playing and joining the Forge coaching staff for their other two titles.
Leonel López, Inter Toronto (2025)
Fighting for a playoff spot toward the end of the 2025 season, Inter Toronto made a big splash with the signing of Liga MX veteran midfielder Leonel López.
The talented Mexican gave important attacking balance to the Toronto midfield in their push for the playoffs. Down the stretch, he scored match-winners against both Pacific FC and Cavalry FC as part of three he scored in eleven appearances.
López unfortunately got injured right before the playoffs, and missed out on his club's run as a result. But he had a big impact in them getting there.
Hugo Mbongue, Vancouver FC (2025)
When the 22-year-old striker joined Vancouver FC on loan from Toronto FC in July of last season, he instantly provided an attacking spark for the Eagles.
In just his second appearance with the club, Mbongue scored the winner in a 2-1 victory over the Halifax Wanderers. It was the first of six goals and two assists that Mbongue managed in an outstanding 12 matches to end the season.
He also scored a vital goal in the TELUS Canadian Championship semifinal against Atlético Ottawa, before going a full 90 in the final against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Woobens Pacius, Forge FC (2021)
In the summer of 2021, Forge FC signed a 20-year-old Pacius out of the CF Montréal academy.
Making his debut on the same day he signed with the club, he made his first professional start a few weeks later, scoring a brace against Atlético Ottawa.
He joined the team at an incredibly busy time, competing in Concacaf, the CPL season and eventually the CPL Final — tallying eight goals and two assists in 27 matches. That included the opening goal against Inter Toronto in the 2023 CPL semifinal.
Pacius would end up winning two CPL titles with Forge before moving to Nashville SC in Major League Soccer.
