Amer Didic joins Atlético Ottawa - One of the best defenders in the CPL

Atlético Ottawa have added to what has already been an impressive off-season. After signing in-demand midfielder Manny Aparicio the club has also signed Amer Didic. Like Aparicio before him, Didic arrives in the Canadian capital as a free agent after his contract with the Vancouver Island-based club expired at the end of the 2023 season. Didic will sign a one year contract with a club option for one additional season.

Indeed, both transfers highlight the pull the Atlético Madrid-owned club has within North American soccer. Aparicio had offers from multiple other clubs, including the USL Championship and Mexico. Didic, in the meantime, had an offer from a notable Norwegian club, and several Major League Soccer teams, including Nashville SC, also showed interest. 

Ultimately, Ottawa, however, won the race. Transfermarkt understands that part of the appeal for Didic is that Ottawa would be willing to let the defender leave if a good offer from Europe or elsewhere materializes. Didic turned 29 in December, and time for a chance to play in Europe is running out. Both sides know this, but that doesn’t mean the Canadian center-back is sitting on packed suitcases. 

Didic to Atlético Ottawa – Best center-back in the Canadian Premier League

Atlético Ottawa have possibly secured the best defender of the 2023 Canadian Premier League season in Amer Didic. Last season, Didic was second in the league with 135 aerial duels and first with 77.78% won aerial duels. He was also 14th with 89.4% completed passes and fourth with 69.06% completed long passes. Finally, Didic was ninth in the league with 124 interceptions.

Those numbers have not been seen in the CPL since Lukas MacNaughton helped Pacific FC win the league title two years ago. In other words, Atlético Ottawa have added a center-back to an already strong side who could easily play in MLS or perhaps a top-15 European league.