Wanderers sign goalkeeper Rayane Yesli

The Halifax Wanderers have inked goalkeeper Rayane Yesli to a one-year deal with an option for 2026.

Yesli, 25, heads to Halifax after a stint in Atlético Ottawa, where he made 11 appearances across all competitions, and time with Valour FC, where he amassed 37 starts across two seasons. He also received a Golden Glove nomination in 2023.

Together, Yesli and keeper Aiden Rushenas, who is signed through until the end of 2025, will form Halifax's duo between the sticks. Both are young and have something to prove, a fact that Wanderers sporting director Matt Fegan is betting on.

“We’re delighted to welcome Rayane to Halifax, a quality Canadian goalkeeper who is already very familiar with the demands of the CPL," said Fegan via press release. “At 25 years old, he fits a profile our staff were targeting, with his best years ahead of him.”

For Yesli, signing in Halifax is an opportunity to re-establish himself as a starting keeper. Last year, he had also signed a one-year deal, plus option, with Atlético Ottawa as he battled to beat out veteran keeper Nathan Ingham for the starting role. However, Ingham eventually won out, leaving Yesli on the bench for the second half of the season. He made his last appearance for Atlético Ottawa on August 10.

Although nothing is set in stone, it's likely that Rushenas will again take a back up role as he did with now departed keeper Yann Fillion. In total, the 21-year old keeper has four professional starts to his name.

Born in Tizou Ouzou, Algeria, Yesli and his family moved to Montréal, Québec, when he was two-years old. He spent time with CF Montréal's academy but also spent time in Italy. However, Yesli returned to Montréal for university and was selected third overall in the 2021 CPL - U Sports Draft by Valour. Yesli signed his professional contract with Valour in 2022.

Cover Photo Credit: Canadian Premier League