BREAKING NEWS: Few moves, But Whitecaps Ready To Build Confidence With Top Key Players
The departure of Richie Laryea to Toronto FC was a significant blow, leaving Vancouver Whitecaps with a noticeable gap where another designated player should be. However, strong performances against Tigres by a Whitecaps team finding its preseason form have instilled confidence.
The major move of the day for the Whitecaps wasn’t one they made themselves. Early Friday, news broke that wingback Richie Laryea was returning to Major League Soccer, but with his former team, Toronto FC. He inked a three-year deal (plus option), with TFC reportedly paying $750,000 to Nottingham Forest for his services. This comes after the Reds had sold him to the English club for $1 million two years ago.
Laryea had briefly returned to MLS with the Whitecaps for the latter half of last season, and Vancouver had hoped to retain him. However, the pull of reuniting with his family and playing for his hometown team proved too strong.
Whitecaps CEO Axel Schuster remarked on the unusual situation where the player had complete freedom to choose, without protected rights. Laryea’s decision to join Toronto FC was met with excitement, particularly as it reunited him with former Canadian national team coach John Herdman.
The prospect of Laryea leaving had been looming for months, given Nottingham’s high asking price and his struggle to settle into coach Vanni Sartini’s system. With the season imminent, the Whitecaps find themselves thin at wingback.
While some players are still recovering from injuries, and with the likelihood of national team call-ups, depth is a priority for the team. Despite this, Schuster feels no immediate urgency to make moves before the season opener.
Although the team has made defensive additions, including Damir Kreilach and Fafa Picault, the search continues for an offensive boost, especially with an open Designated Player spot.
Sartini aims for the team to not only increase offensive output but also to diversify their attacking approach. Despite preseason and CONCACAF Champions Cup struggles, Sartini remains optimistic about the team’s trajectory, emphasizing the need to convert chances and inject some brilliance into their play.