A number of Halifax Wanderers players could be on the move this offseason.
Wanderers founder and president Derek Martin recently teased on the Wanderer Grounds podcast that Halifax has received interest on a number of players, making the prospect of selling them on a realistic possibility.
The Wanderers Notebook has since confirmed full-back Zachary Fernandez and centre-back Cale Loughrey are drawing interest from other leagues.
Fernandez, a 22-year old player formerly part of CF Montréal’s academy, has established himself as an integral part of head coach Patrice Gheisar’s system and has played in 23 matches this season, notching three goals and two assists. Wanderers sporting director Matt Fegan confirmed he’s been getting calls about the Québec native amidst his breakout season during an interview on Sept. 27.
“There’s definitely some clubs who had shown some interest in potentially giving him a step to the next level,” he said. “We’ll see where it goes after this season.”
Although the Wanderers have not received a formal offer as of yet, they are fielding calls, meaning it’s possible Fernandez is moved to another league before his contract expires in 2024.
The Wanderers Notebook had not confirmed interest in Loughrey at the time of its interview with Fegan but has since been told by sources Loughrey has drawn interest from multiple clubs in Europe, especially in the U.K.
Loughrey, 22, had signed a contract with the Wanderers this offseason with club options for 2024 and 2025. He’s been a fixture of Gheisar’s starting XI and has played 23 matches this season, mostly paired with fellow centre-back Daniel Nimick. Loughrey previously played with FC Edmonton, Forge FC and for the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
The Wanderers Notebook was not able to confirm reports on Nimick but it’s been previously speculated that he’s being watched by MLS and English Premier League scouts. His MLS rights currently belong to the Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
When asked about any other transfer information he could share, Fegan said the play on the pitch does the talking.
“I would say its pretty obvious which players have stood out this season. Anytime players are making headlines with certain performances, certain data that stands out, these player of the week and month nominations tend to draw attention to players from beyond these borders,” he said.
He confirmed there have been no formal offers to date.
Fegan did acknowledge growing and selling players is an area the club would like to improve on.
“If and when the right opportunities present themselves to players, we want to be a club known for helping a player go on. I’d be the first to say that’s something as a club we’ve struggled with finding the right step for those players. Hopefully, with success on the pitch, that draws other clubs in more,” he said.
Given the relatively short history of the league, Fegan noted clubs from outside of the CPL typically want to see consistency over multiple seasons from players before making a move. There are exceptions, however.
Fegan said clubs have signaled their interest but the Wanderers are focused on finishing the season and going as far as possible in the playoffs.
“Our focus right now, as much as we want players to move, while we’re in season, we’re focused on trying to win this,” he said.
The Wanderers Notebook has since reached out to the club for comment following the reports on Loughrey but a club spokesperson said they don’t comment on transfer rumours.
Further Reading:
- ‘Daniel’s the full package’: Nimick making a name for himself with HFX Wanderers
- After stints with FC Edmonton and Forge, Cale Loughrey is embracing role with HFX Wanderers: ‘If there’s anybody I could trust, it’s Patrice’
- Zachary Fernandez has established himself as an elite CPL player in a statement year
Cover Photo Credit: Trevor MacMillan / Halifax Wanderers FC
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