Alexis Sánchez is leaving Europe for Montreal after signing a two-season deal, ending an 18-consecutive-season run that took the Chile forward across seven clubs and into some of the biggest leagues and competitions in the sport.
The move is a notable shift for the 37-year-old, who turned down Sevilla's one-year offer before choosing Montreal in the MLS. It gives Montreal another high-profile name and adds Sánchez to a club that has developed a clear connection with Chilean players in recent years.
A long European run comes to an end
Sánchez left Chile in 2006 when he signed for Udinese, which loaned him to Colo Colo and then to River Plate. He returned to Italy in 2008 and established himself in Serie A before going on to play for Barcelona, Arsenal, Manchester United, Olympique de Marsella, Inter de Milán and Sevilla.
Across that span, Sánchez collected 16 titles: one Liga de España, one Copa del Rey, two Supercopa de España, one Supercopa de Europa, one Mundial de Clubes, three Community Shield, two FA Cup, two Serie A, one Copa Italia and two Supercopa de Italia. That resume helps explain why a move to Montreal stands out as more than a routine late-career transfer.
Why Montreal fits the moment
Montreal is part of the MLS's Conferencia Este and has become a club with links to Chilean players. Jeisson Vargas joined Montreal Impact from Universidad Católica for US$ 2,8 millones in 2016, while Thomas Gillier began playing at Montreal on loan from Bologna in mid-2025. The club also signed Gennadiy Synchuk from Metalist for US$ 4,8 millones in 2025.
Founded by the family Saputo in 2010, Montreal now adds Sánchez to a roster and market profile that already includes familiar South American and international names around Major League Soccer. For Montreal, the move brings experience, recognition and another player who has spent nearly two decades competing at the top level in Europa.
For Sánchez, the decision marks the end of one chapter and the start of another. After 18 consecutive seasons in Europe, the next test comes in North America, where Montreal will ask him to turn a major career move into meaningful on-field production.
