Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced that the Canadian club has acquired Scottish midfielder Ryan Gauld from Portuguese second division side SC Farense on Saturday. A Designed Player, Gauld's contract runs through the 2024 season, and he will officially begin training with his new team next week.
"We are very pleased to welcome Ryan to our club," said Sporting Director and Chief Executive Officer Axel Schuster. "We identified Ryan at the attacking midfield position early in the offseason, and began our formal pursuit at the start of January. It was a complicated process due to several factors, but as he was our top target, we never gave up. He is a difference maker, brings experience, as well as an exceptional work rate, all qualities we identified as being key characteristics that we need in this position. Ryan and his representatives have been a pleasure to work with, and we are thrilled that he is committed for the next three plus years, to not only this club, but the city and people of Vancouver."
"Ryan is a player that we have been following for a long time," added Marc Dos Santos. "He's an attacking midfielder who can provide us with a lot of options between lines. He has very good delivery, and is very dynamic without the ball. He also brings leadership qualities and experience to the group, which will help our young players next to him grow and become better. We are very glad to have him joining our club."
"I'm delighted to be given the opportunity to play for Vancouver Whitecaps FC," said Gauld. "From day one they have made me feel very wanted, and that means a lot. I'm looking forward to meeting my teammates, getting on the training pitch, and coming to play at BC Place in front of the passionate supporters."
As with so many of Vancouver's signings, Gauld has his highlight reels, he has those touting his abilities, even being described by some as a "Mini Messi" at one point, but to borrow an idiom from his homeland, the proof is in the pudding.
Many have come through Vancouver's doors, including Gauld's countrymen Barry Robson and Kenny Miller, but few have lived up to their billings. The Whitecaps, mired in a dismal run of one win, five draws, and six losses, in their last twelve, can use all the help they can get.