Impact reach two-year deal with French winger/striker Novillo
The Montreal Impact have agreed to terms with French winger and striker and Martinique international Harry Novillo on a two-year contract, with an option year, the MLS club announced on Wednesday. The acquisition is pending confirmation of Novillo’s international transfer certificate and a medical. “I’m happy that Harry Novillo accepted to join the Impact’s project,” said Montreal Impact head coach Rémi Garde. “He’s an attacking player with good technique, which allows him to play in different positions offensively. He will be a welcome addition for the team in helping it reach its objectives.” Novillo, 26, was named to the Australian A-League team of the season by the Professional Football Association after the 2015-16 season, during which he scored nine goals and added four assists in 21 games with Melbourne City. The 6-foot, 177-pound, native of Lyon also scored one goal in two Australian Cup games. “I’m very happy to join the Impact and I’m excited to face this MLS challenge,” said Novillo, who played with Malaysian first division side Johor Darul Ta’zim FC at the start of 2018. “I’m impatient to begin playing again. I want to help my coach and my teammates win, because my goal is to win titles here. I’m eager to give our supporters positive emotions.” Novillo was developed at COM de Saint-Fons, and then at Olympique Lyonnais, making his professional debut in Ligue 1 in 2010. He was then successively loaned to Ligue 2 clubs Le Havre FC and Gazélec Ajaccio, scoring three goals in 23 games. After a year in Belgium, Novillo joined Clermont in the French second division in July 14, scoring two goals in 12 regular season games and two goals in three Coupe de la ligue games. Internationally, Novillo has played two games with the Martinique national team, against Haiti and Jamaica in the 2014 CONCACAF Caribbean Cup. He had previously appeared with the France U19 team.