Montreal Impact head coach Thierry Henry has returned to his former club Barcelona to sign Canada international Ballou Tabla on permanent terms.
Winger Tabla left the Impact as an 18-year-old to join Barcelona in January 2018, becoming a member of the club s B team.
Tabla departs after two years of a three-year deal, however, having been unable to make a first-team breakthrough at Camp Nou.
The 20-year-old had a €25million release clause in his contract, to protect Barcelona in the event he developed at a rapid rate.
Such a rise to stardom did not materialise, and there was no mention of any fee in a statement from Montreal that said Tabla had returned to them on a two-year contract, with two option years.
Impact sporting director Olivier Renard said: We are happy to have Ballou back with us following this transfer. The talent of this young Quebecer was never put into question. Now it s up to him to do everything and bounce back.
Tabla played 30 games for Barcelona B and had a loan spell with Albacete before joining Montreal on a temporary basis last August, making four MLS appearances.
That return is now a full-time arrangement, with Tabla set the challenge of earning a regular place in Henry s team.
L’Impact complète le transfert permanent du milieu de terrain formé au club du FC Barcelone
Homegrown midfielder permanently transferred to the Impact from FC Barcelona
— Impact de Montréal (@impactmontreal)
