Former New England Revolution star Tajon Buchanan signs with Italian giants Inter

Former New England Revolution wing-back and current Canada national team member Tajon Buchanan has signed for Serie A giants Inter from Belgian Pro League side Club Brugge.

The move is a historic one for Buchanan as he becomes the first Canada international to feature in the Italian top flight. Prior to his move to the 2023 UEFA Champions League finalists, the 24-year-old starred for Brugge, registering five goals and 12 assists in 67 appearances.

Buchanan made the jump to European soccer after impressing with the Revs upon being drafted in ninth overall in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft from Syracuse. His 12 goals and 11 assists in 67 showings for New England, that helped them lift the 2021 Supporters’ Shield, earned him a move to Brugge for a reported fee of $7m.

“I think that it was the right decision for me at this point in my career. I’ve followed Inter for a while; I see myself playing in this team. I’m really excited for what’s to come,” Buchanan said in a club interview with the Nerazzurri.

“I’m really proud to be the first Canadian in the Italian league. It’s a big achievement that makes me really proud. I know what to expect, so I need to learn as much as I can from the coach and staff so that I’m ready,” he added.

A 10% sell-on clause was also inserted into his transfer to Brugge, meaning the Revs will get a nice chunk from Buchanan’s transfer to the Serie A, which was completed for a fee of $7.6m.

Buchanan departed New England after three seasons played in MLS, and now two years later (and only one full season played in the Belgian First Division), he’s continued his ascent up the ladder to join the current Serie A leaders.

At the international level, Buchanan has already scored four goals and dished out seven assists for Canada in 35 appearances, including at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

“Honestly, I don’t know what to expect because I’ve never experienced anything like this before in my life,” Buchanan said of the atmosphere created by the Inter supporters.

“Watching on TV, you can see that the support is amazing, with incredible fans who fill the stadium for every game. I can’t wait to show them what I can do and help the team as much as I can.”