CF Montreal have added an option to their backline with the signing of Fernando Alvarez from Liga MX side Pachuca.

Alvarez is Montreal's second signing pf the summer transfer window (that runs until August 2) after Kwadwu Opoku was brought in from LAFC in a trade earlier this month. The 19-year-old joins the Canadian side on a contract through the 2025 MLS season with options for the next two years.

"We are delighted to welcome Fernando to the club," Montréal vice-president and chief sporting officer Olivier Renard said. "He is a player who stood out this summer at the U-20 World Cup in Argentina as one of the tournament’s best central defenders. In addition to the advantage of his American citizenship, he has a solid physical frame with the ability to quickly restart play."

Although Alvarez represented Colombia at the U20 World Cup earlier this summer, he's also eligible to play for both the United States and Mexico, as he is from New York City and was born to Mexican and Colombian parents.

As Montreal's newest recruit is quite young, it will be interesting to see whether he is integrated into the first team at first or if he's sent out for a loan spell.

Regardless, Alvarez joins a backline that already has George Campbell, Gabriele Corbo, and Rudy Camacho, as they look to make a run in the Leagues Cup and make the playoffs later this season.

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This article was originally published on 90min as CF Montreal confirm signing of defender Fernando Alvarez.