Sources: Forge FC in negotiations to sign centre-back Dan Nimick

Forge FC is close to signing centre-back Dan Nimick, sources told The Wanderers Notebook on Monday. A contract, it's understood, has not been finalized but if negotiations continue on their current trajectory, the Hamilton-based side will welcome the former Halifax Wanderer and MLS SuperDraft pick to their squad ahead of their CONCACAF Champions Cup matches.

Forge, who won the CPL Shield as regular season champions, are scheduled to host CF Monterrey on February 5.

Nimick, 24, spent the last two years in the CPL with the Wanderers following a stellar varsity career with Western Michigan University. He was selected in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft by the Vancouver Whitecaps but, uncertain of first team football, opted to sign with Halifax.

Over the course of his CPL career, Nimick registered 15 goals and six assists across 54 appearances and received nominations for Defender and Players' Player of the Year in 2023. He was part of the Wanderers core that was retained heading into 2024, although it was highly speculated he may be sold before the start of the season.

As previously reported by The Wanderers Notebook, Halifax received transfer offers for Nimick but deemed them significantly under market value.

However, 2024 got off to a rocky start for the Wanderers as they went winless until June and were knocked out of the Canadian Championship by semi-professional club CS Saint-Laurent. They ended the season sixth on the table.

The Wanderers announced in December that Nimick's contract had expired, with the player posting his farewell on Instagram this past weekend.

Sources noted Nimick seemed destined for a move to the USL this off-season but, for unspecified reasons, the deal fell through. With several key departures to their backline, including the likes of Dominic Samuel, Malcom Duncan and Garven Metusala, it's understood that Forge has worked hard to recruit quality defenders to rebuild their backline and talks have intensified between the Hammers and Nimick's camp in recent weeks. It remains to be seen if the two sides will be able to get the deal over the line.

Forge has already surprised this off-season as they announced that Brian Wright, who won Players' Player of the Year with York United FC, had joined them. Although not confirmed, it's expected that Mo Babouli will be announced in the coming weeks.

Cover Photo Credit: Trevor MacMillan / Halifax Wanderers FC