Whitecaps acquire Canadian defender Sam Adekugbe

VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Whitecaps acquired Canadian defender Sam Adekugbe by way of switch from Turkish facet Hatayspor on Thursday.

The 28-year-old wingback agreed to a Major League Soccer contract by means of 2026 with a membership choice for 2027, the staff stated in a launch.

It’s a homecoming for the Calgary resident, who got here up by means of the Whitecaps academy earlier than signing with the primary staff in 2013.

“We are very excited to welcome Sam back to our club,” stated Whitecaps sporting director Axel Schuster. “Since I arrived in Vancouver, Sam has been on my radar as he matches the profile we glance to draw. He brings a wealth of expertise from his time abroad, was an essential member in serving to Canada qualify for the boys’s World Cup and is clearly very conversant in our membership.

“Sam believes in what we are building here and wants to help us take the next step.”

Adekugbe, who has performed for a number of European groups over his profession and made three appearances for Canada eventually yr’s World Cup in Qatar, can be added to the roster pending a medical.

He joined Hatayspor in 2021 and made 53 begins for the membership throughout all competitions.

Adekugbe spent the second half of the 2022-23 season on mortgage to Turkish giants Galatasaray. He had one help over six begins, serving to the facet safe the Super Lig championship.

The transaction was accomplished on Wednesday earlier than the shut of the MLS secondary switch window.