Sources: With his contract at Pacific expiring, Thomas Meilleur-Giguère receiving heavy interest from both CPL and U.S.-based clubs
Québec-born centre-back Thomas Meilleur-Giguère is receiving heavy interest from both CPL and American clubs, sources briefed on the situation told The Wanderers Notebook on Monday. But although his contract at Pacific FC is set to expire, sources said, a return back to Vancouver Island hasn’t been ruled out.
Sources said Meilleur-Giguère’s future is very much still in the air. However, they noted, the defender has yet to be presented with a new contract offer from Pacific.
Meilleur-Giguère joined Pacific in 2020 after spending time in the USL Championship. From there, he developed to become a starter and then a leader for the Tridents on and off the pitch. He became a CPL centurion earlier this year and, with the losses of players like Amer Didic and Manny Aparicio, has been an focal point of James Merriman's defence and leadership group. Meilleur-Giguère has made 120 appearances for Pacific across all competitions.
In an interview with OneSoccer earlier this year, the 26-year old centre-back said he didn't know what the future held for him.
“The thing is you never know in football. Maybe it’s my last year here, maybe I have more years here. Some guys, it’s their last year. Maybe it’s the last time they’ll see the fans. Every moment we have to share with them, we have to make it count," he said.
"If I look at all of it, it was amazing. I’ve loved it. I know the club by heart, I know everyone, I know the system. It would feel weird for me to try something else because it’s so special to me."
If Meilleur-Giguère is lured away from Pacific, he'll be the latest in a line of key players to leave Vancouver Island. Last year, Didic and Aparicio left on frees and signed with Atlético Ottawa. And now, as reported by this outlet, star right-back Kunle Dada-Luke has informed the club he won't be back, seeking opportunities elsewhere.
Further reading:
- Sources: Valour to exercise midfielder Dante Campbell’s option
- Sources: CPL veteran Austin Ricci garnering interest on the open market
- With Yann Fillion bidding farewell to Halifax, questions arise over Wanderers’ goalkeeper situation
Cover Photo Credit: John Jacques
