Theo Bair with Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC have confirmed the sale of Theo Bair to Scottish side St Johnstone FC. The move continues Canadian striker's globetrotting, as he recently helped Hamarkameratene earn promotion to the Eliteserien, while on loan in Norway.
Bair featured 38 times for Vancouver, netting three goals, but had seen an uptick in form while at HamKam, where he scored four goals in only 17 matches. He will provide much needed firepower to the Saints, who are desperate to avoid relegation from the Premiership.
Bair will arrive in Perth, Scotland, later this week, and train with his new teammates ahead of Saturday's home match against Dundee United.
"This has been in the pipeline for a few days, and I'm excited to get started at St Johnstone," said Bair. "This is a new start for me and I am looking forward to being part of the team."
"I feel my game will be a good fit for Scottish football, and I want to play my part in helping us win games of football."
"I know that the Club is determined to stay in the Premiership. I know everyone at the Football Club shares this goal to succeed."
"It presents all of us with a challenge we need to embrace, and we will go for it. I know I am ready for it."
Saints manager Callum Davidson was delighted to get the deal across the line, "Theo is a talented and powerful striker. He will give us a different dimension."
"I am looking forward to working with him. I know he has the ability to score goals for us and he is hungry to do well."
Meanwhile, Axel Shuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director said that "this is a good move for Theo to continue to evolve at this stage of his career. After he made strides forward last year in Norway's second division, this transfer will provide him the best opportunity to progress by playing meaningful minutes at Scotland's highest level."
"We will follow Theo closely because the door is always open for a return to the Whitecaps in the future."
"Thank you, Vancouver. After seven years, it's time to part ways with the club that means so much to me and my family. From entering the academy as a young boy from Ottawa to playing at BC Place in front of all the amazing fans, thank you," added Bair.
"This was a very difficult decision to make, but one that lets me explore my dream even further. I am thankful to my teammates, the academy, all the staff and fans who supported me through it all. Without the city of Vancouver, I wouldn't be the man I am today."
"Vancouver will always be my home, and no matter where football takes me, I will always be a Whitecap. Thank you all for everything and I am excited for my next step. See you soon."