Serie A leaders Inter Milan are set to make Tajon Buchanan the first Canada international to play in the Italian top flight after signing the wideman from Club Brugge.
Inter announced on Friday that Buchanan has committed himself to the club until 2028 for a reported fee of €10 million ($10.9m/£8.6m).
The 23-year-old shared how proud he was at making the move, calling himself "really proud" to make history among Canadian players. "It’s a big achievement," he added. "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.”
Buchanan could be involved in Simone Inzaghi's squad on Saturday afternoon, when struggling Verona are their visitors.
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How did Buchanan make it to Serie A?
Buchanan experienced an exceptional time at Syracuse University with the institution's soccer team, and in 2019 he was chosen in the MLS SuperDraft by the New England Revolution, marking the start of his professional journey.
In Foxborough, Buchanan thrived as he made 67 appearances and scored 12 goals before earning his inaugural call-up to the senior Canada team in June 2021. He had previously represented their U23 team at the Olympic Qualifying Championship.
Known for his speed, one-on-one skills and team-oriented approach, Buchanan showcased his prowess at the 2021 Gold Cup, helping Canada reach the semifinals and scoring his debut goal for the national team.
2022 saw him transition to European football by joining Belgian team Brugge. After securing a league title in 2021/22, he went on to make his debut in the UEFA Champions League and secured a spot in the Canada squad for the World Cup in Qatar – a momentous event for his country, having missed out on the tournament since 1986.
Buchanan explained what type of player he is in an interview with Brugge when he joined. “I’m a versatile player," he said.
"I can play in a number of roles but my aim is just to learn as much as possible, make myself available for the team and adapt to a new style of play.
"I’m a really direct player and I like to go one on one with the defender and operate in the half spaces around the opposition penalty area, creating numerical superiority. I played at right-back last season; I can definitely improve in the defensive phase."
First official pic ✅#ForzaInter #WelcomeTajon pic.twitter.com/H9n9KBqheU
— Inter (@Inter_en) January 5, 2024
He alluded to how excited he is to share the San Siro atmosphere with Inter's fans. "Honestly, I don’t know what to expect because I’ve never experienced anything like this before in my life," he said.
"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."
How to watch Serie A in USA for 2023/24 season
- TV Channel (select matches): CBS Sports Network
- Streaming (select matches): CBS Sports Golazo, Fubo
- Streaming (all matches): Paramount+
Through the 2023/24 Italian top flight campaign, Serie A fans in the United States can access every single match of the season.
All 380 games will be available to stream on Paramount+, with a monthly subscription required.
Additionally, select games throughout the season will be shown on linear television on CBS Sports Network, with that channel streaming on Fubo in the USA.
In addition to match coverage, CBS will also produce a preview and recap show called "Calcio e Cappuccino" which will feature highlights, analysis, and predictions, airing the morning of main matchdays as well as after the action has wrapped.
CBS also carries the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League rights in the United States, in addition to other UEFA competitions.