The Transfer

Vancouver Whitecaps sign Rob Friend

31-year old striker Rob Friend has apparently signed a contract with Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

He moves from Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany where he has scored 1 goal in 13 games since 2011.  He has also spent time with Borussia Monchengladbach where he netted 28 goals in 83 between 2007 and 2010.

The Canadian International has 2 goals in 32 appearances for the Mens National Team.

Friend would be an interesting pickup for Vancouver, and being a citizen he would not take up an international spot.

Source: https://twitter.com/SoccerInsider/status/292357087906889728

Kenyan midfielder Crispin Olando signs with Whitecaps FC

The talented 25-year old midfielder Crispin Olando has joined Vancouver Whitecaps FC after parting ways with previous club Tusker FC following the 2012 season due to knee and back injury problems.

Olando was recently training with multiple sides including Nairobi City Stars and Gor Mahia, but has apparently agreed to join Vancouver on a 6-month deal.

He is said to have departed Kenya today for Vancouver to join the ‘Caps for pre-season training camp ahead of the 2013 campaign.

Source: http://www.futaa.com/football/article/olando-set-for-mls-stint

Breaking: Vancouver Whitecaps signing forward Corey Hertzog

Forward Corey Hertzog has been signed by the Whitecaps ahead of the 2013 season training camp.

Seeing action in 5 games with New York Red Bulls in 2011/2012, Hertzog spent much of 2012 on loan to Wilmington Hammerheads where he played in 17 games and scored 9 goals.  The 22-year old had his option declined by RBNY following the 2012 season.

Hertzog was on $103,500 in 2012.

Source: https://twitter.com/tylergreen1040/status/291702413579141120

Breaking: Vancouver Whitecaps set to sign Paulo Jr.

23-year old Paulo Jr was selected by Vancouver in the 2nd Round of the MLS Re-Entry Draft on December 14.

As per league policy, Paulo Jr was extended an offer by the club within 1 week of being selected and the negotiations had been ongoing.

In 22 games last season with Real Salt Lake, the Brazilian scored 2 goals.

Source: https://twitter.com/tylergreen1040/status/291702413579141120

Vancouver Whitecaps sign 19-year old Ethen Sampson

After trialing with Vancouver last year, African Soccer Development captain Ethen Sampson has been offered a 2-year contract with the Whitecaps.

Sampson, a natural central defender from Cape Town, South Africa will add more depth to an already crowded position on Vancouver’s roster.  He is set to join Vancouver for pre-season within the next week.

Ethen said the following about the move, “I loved my time on trial in Vancouver - their training sessions were really similar to the training we do at ASD, so it felt like I fit in straight away. I know this is a great opportunity for me and its what I have been striving for. I really hope my move will open more doors for ASD players in the MLS, because ASD has not only made me the player I am today, but also the character I am both on and off the field.”

Source: http://www.africasoccerdevelopments.com/index.php?asd-captain-ethen-sampson-to-join-vancouver-whitecaps,518

Rumour: Robert Earnshaw linked with Vancouver Whitecaps FC

31-year old striker Robert Earnshaw could be joining Vancouver Whitecaps FC from Cardiff City where he had been on loan to Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv.

A native of Zambia, Earnshaw has played his international football for Wales, featuring in 58 games and scoring 16 goals since 2002.

Cardiff City is where Earnshaw spent his Youth career, and he has played 202 games for the Bluebirds while netting 89 goals in two spells with the club.  He has also played for West Bromwich Albion, Norwich City, Derby County, and Nottingham Forest.

Unhappy with the location of his current loan in Israel, Earnshaw was quoted saying ”The football was good, the city of Tel Aviv was unbelievably beautiful, but there were crazy moments.”  He said ”Overall the experience was good, though, and I enjoyed the football. But I didn’t sign up for the politics and a war.”

It has been confirmed that Earnshaw is surplus to Cardiff City’s requirements, and will be leaving Cardiff at the end of January.

Source: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/footballnation/cardiff-city/cardiff-city-fc/2013/01/15/cardiff-city-striker-rob-earnshaw-looks-to-usa-move-after-tel-aviv-troubles-91466-32598098/

Vancouver Whitecaps FC sign defender Brad Rusin

26-year old defender Brad Rusin has been signed by Vancouver Whitecaps from HB Køge of the Danish Superliga.

Rusin will be reunited with previous coach Martin Rennie, where he played under and captained the Carolina Railhawks as well as various teammates who are also on Vancouver’s roster including goalkeeper Brad Knighton.

This morning, Knighton tweeted, “@bbknighton: Can’t wait to be reunited with my bud & former teammate @BradfordRusin here in Vancouver! Huge addition for us! #WhitecapsFC”

Rusin adds more depth to the Whitecaps backline which already includes big names such as Jay Demerit, YP Lee, and Andy O’Brien.

Source: http://www.bold.dk/nyt/HB-Koege-forsvarer-skifter-til-MLS

Rumour: Whitecaps FC defender Andy O’Brien loan to English Championship?

During the MLS off season, Andy O’Brien has been training with his old club Bolton Wanderers and mentioned his interest in a loan deal if Vancouver Whitecaps are open to the idea.

With talk of the Republic of Ireland International defender possibly joining 2 different Championship sides, Huddersfield Town and Ipswitch Town, there seems to be definite interest on the part of English Football clubs to have the veteran back playing in the UK even if only for a short spell.

Source: http://www.twtd.co.uk/ipswich-town-news/22117/obrien-linked-with-loan