St. Pauli sign Emil Gazdov on loan from MLS side CF Montreal
St. Pauli have signed goalkeeper Emil Gazdov on loan from MLS side CF Montreal until the end of the current season.
Gazdov, 22, has dual Canadian and Bulgarian citizenship, and his deal includes an option for Pauli to make the deal a permanent one.
"I'm very excited and looking forward to the new challenge at St. Pauli," Gazdov told his new club's website. "I want to make the most of my time in Hamburg to further my footballing development and gain as much experience as possible with a Bundesliga team."
After rising through the youth ranks at Vancouver Whitecaps, Gazdov moved to Canadian Premier League outfit Pacific FC in June 2020, making 49 competitive appearances for the club.
The 1.91-metre custodian played for the Nuremberg U19s between October 2020 and February 2022 before returning to Canada and eventually joining CF Montreal in 2025. Most recently he spent six months on loan at Canadian Premier League club Valour FC.
"Emil is dynamic and explosive in his movement yet also exudes calm and confidence," said Pauli head coach Alexander Blessin. "He anticipates long balls well and is not afraid to leave his goal to defend. He's also calm and composed in the build-up."
Watch: Get to know St. Pauli and the area
Pauli resume the campaign at home to RB Leipzig on 9 January. Die Kiezkicker currently occupy the relegation play-off spot in 15th place after winning just three of their opening 15 games.
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