In a significant MLS transfer trade, CF Montréal and Red Bull New York (RBNY) agreed on a player exchange on Monday involving midfielder Wiki Carmona and defender Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty. This move, part of the ongoing CF Montréal transfer trade activity, sends Marshall-Rutty to RBNY while Montréal secures Carmona to strengthen their squad ahead of the upcoming season.
Details Behind Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty’s Move to Red Bull New York
Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, a 21-year-old Canadian international, joins Red Bull New York as their newest defender, marking his fourth MLS club after previous terms with Toronto FC, Charlotte FC, and CF Montréal. Originally developed as a Toronto homegrown player, Marshall-Rutty played last season on loan with Charlotte, accumulating 1 goal and 8 assists over 112 regular-season appearances.
RBNY’s head of sport, Julian de Guzman, expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition.
“We are very pleased to add Jahkeele to our roster and welcome him to the club,”
de Guzman stated.
“He is an exciting young player that brings a strong mentality and a willingness to work, and we believe this is a great spot for him to continue developing and taking the next step in his career.”
Wiki Carmona’s Transfer and Impact on CF Montréal’s Midfield
CF Montréal receives Wikelman “Wiki” Carmona, a 22-year-old midfielder who spent the past five seasons with RBNY. Carmona contributed 6 goals and 6 assists in 118 games across all competitions, and he earned his first senior cap for Venezuela last October.
Expressing excitement about the signing, CF Montréal’s managing director of recruitment and sporting methodology, Luca Saputo, said,
“We are thrilled to announce the arrival of Wikelman Carmona. His profile will strengthen our midfield options and give our coach greater tactical flexibility.”
Saputo also thanked Marshall-Rutty for his time with Montréal:
“I would also like to thank Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty and wish him all the best in the next stage of his career.”
Season Outlook and Upcoming Fixtures for Both Teams
Red Bull New York is preparing to begin the 2026 season with new head coach Michael Bradley. Their first match is scheduled for February 21 at Orlando City, kicking off at 7:30 pm ET on Apple TV. CF Montréal will also start their season on the same day, facing San Diego FC at 10:30 pm ET on Apple TV. This trade is expected to influence the tactical setups and depth charts of both clubs as they enter the new campaign.
Significance of the Trade and Potential Effects on Team Dynamics
This player swap highlights both clubs’ determination to refine their rosters with young, promising talent. The trade provides RBNY with a versatile defender in Marshall-Rutty, whose MLS experience includes multiple clubs and developmental stints, while CF Montréal enhances their midfield creativity and tactical options by securing Carmona, an emerging Venezuelan international.
With both teams preparing for the season opener on February 21, integrating these players effectively will be critical to achieving early success. As the CF Montréal transfer trade progresses, this deal reflects the evolving landscape of MLS rosters and the clubs’ ambitions for growth and competitive edge.
