Revs’ Buchanan headed to Europe
Joining Club Brugge after the MLS season
Tajon Buchanan will realize his ambition to play in Europe with the approval of the New England Revolution.
The Revs have transferred the 22-year-old MLS All-Star midfielder to Club Brugge of the Belgian First Division A. Buchanan will finish the season with first-place New England before moving to Belgium.
“I am excited to take this next step in my career and I am grateful for the New England Revolution for giving me the opportunity to grow as a player and showcase my abilities,” said Buchanan. “I will continue to give my all to the Revolution this season and hope to end my MLS career by lifting a trophy with my teammates.”
The Revolution would not release the terms of the agreement, but The Athletic has reported that the club will receive $7 million with a 10% sell-on-clause upon the transfer. Buchanan withdrew from Wednesday’s MLS AllStar Game in Los Angeles and is currently overseas finalizing the deal with Club Brugge, which has won its league each of the last two seasons.
“Tajon has grown tremendously during his time in New England and has earned this opportunity to prove himself at the highest levels in Europe,” said Revolution head coach Bruce Arena. “We are pleased to facilitate this move for Tajon as he takes the next step in his professional journey. We look forward to his continued contributions with the Revolution as we compete for a championship this season.”
Buchanan was the catalyst of the Canadian national team’s run to the semifinals at last month’s CONCACAF Gold Cup. The Brampton, Ontatio, native led the team with a goal and five assists and was awarded the tournament’s Young Player Award. His performance in the tournament fueled rumors of a pending European transfer. Buchanan, who owns nine international caps, will play for Canada when World Cup qualifiers begin on Sept. 2 against Honduras.
Buchanan played collegiately at Syracuse and was drafted by the Revolution in the first round of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft. In 50 MLS games, he has amassed eight goals and eight assists. In 17 games this season, he has six goals (four in the last six games) and six assists. Buchanan had a goal, an assist and a yellow card in the Revs’ 4-1 victory over FC Cincinnati on Saturday night.