Nathan Saliba, a Canadian international midfielder, has secured a move from CF Montréal to Belgian giants RSC Anderlecht in a deal worth €2m.
The 21-year-old leaves MLS having shown steady progression in his game.
He combines athleticism with composure in midfield, a profile that aligns well with Anderlecht’s development-focused model.
The Purple & White identified Saliba as a player with strong developmental upside, and the move aligns with the club’s continued emphasis on integrating high-potential young talent into their midfield structure.
The 21-year-old has signed a contract running until 2029, with CF Montréal retaining a sell-on clause in the deal.
This transfer comes after a strong 2024 season in MLS, where Saliba established himself as one of the league’s top young midfielders, earning a nomination for MLS Young Player of the Year.
His mix of physicality, composure, energy and tactical maturity made him a standout figure in Montréal’s midfield, and that foundation will now be tested in a more demanding European environment.
Given Anderlecht’s squad composition, Saliba is expected to compete immediately for minutes in a box-to-box or deep-lying midfield role.
His ball-winning energy and ability to circulate possession under pressure should give him a chance to adapt quickly, especially in a system that values structured build-up play and off-the-ball discipline.
The Belgian Pro League will be a major step up in terms of tempo and tactical variation, but the move looks well-suited to Saliba’s profile and long-term potential.
If he adjusts well and stays injury-free, this could prove to be a smart stepping stone before a future move to one of Europe’s top-five leagues.
This player analysis will explore Saliba’s technical and tactical profile in detail in the following sections, assessing his strengths, areas for improvement, and how he might be deployed under RSC Anderlecht’s setup.
Nathan Saliba Stats
Nathan Saliba’s profile reflects a dynamic central midfielder with a strong attacking mindset.
His high percentile in shots per 90 (79.4) and dribbles per 90 (77.9) demonstrates his ability to drive forward and create real goalscoring opportunities.
His passing game is quite developing, with a 50th percentile ranking in dangerous passes per 90 and a relatively average pass accuracy, showcasing his capacity to dictate play and break defensive lines.
Moreover, his aerial prowess is notable, with a 69.1 percentile rank in aerial duels per 90 and a just above average success rate, allowing him to perform respectably in the air and provide decent defensive stability, though there remains room for improvement across the board.
Nathan Saliba Pizza Chart
Nathan Saliba Style Of Play
Nathan Saliba is a composed yet tenacious box-to-box midfielder who seamlessly combines defensive resilience with creative flair that adds to it.
Through his formative years at CF Montreal in MLS and with the Canadian national team, Saliba honed his combative edge, excelling in pressing situations and winning duels.
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