Vancouver Whitecaps FC made their second signing in as many days, adding Colombian left winger Cristian Dájome to the mix, where it's hoped he can link up with Chilean-Canadian left back Cristián Gutiérrez, who signed on Thursday. This represents the third signing of the close season for Vancouver, who added Argentine-Canadian Lucas Cavallini back in December.
"Cristian fits our profile, he is excited about this new challenge, and he really wants to be here in Vancouver. We are thrilled to officially welcome him, and his family, to our club and city," said Whitecaps sporting director Axel Schuster. "He is an experienced player, he has played close to 30 games in each of the last six seasons, and throughout the signing process we continued to hear how professional and positive he is both on and off the pitch."
It's never easy to tell exactly where a player fits in to a new team, and especially a new country, but according to Transfermarkt.com, Dájome becomes Vancouver's fifth most valuable player at 1 million Euro, slotting in between In-beom Hwang's 1.2 million Euro valuation, and Yordy Reyna's 950 thousand Euro valuation. Cavallini's 4.5, Ali Adnan's 1.8, and Fredy Montero's 1.5, round out the 'Caps top three.
But the proof will be on the pitch. Until then, it's anyone's guess. Anthony Blondell and Octavio Rivero arrived with hefty valuations, by Vancouver standards, with neither one being able to make much of a mark.
Dájome will occupy one of Vancouver's 10 international spots for 2020, the 'Caps having two more than usual after acquiring one of Colorado's until 2031 for Sanna Nyassi back in 2010, and one of DC United's 2020 spots for Felipe Martins last year. Although the Rapids can't really complain as they permanently acquired a spot from Real Salt Lake back in 2005. Ah, those were the days.
"Cristian is an explosive winger, who can play on either side, and can be very dangerous in the final third," said Whitecaps manager Marc Dos Santos. "His work ethic and commitment to his team stood out in last year's Sudamericana and when we had the opportunity to acquire him, it was a sure thing in our minds. We are looking forward to having Cristian join our club."
Dájome, whose contract was with Colimbian side Atlético Nacional, spent 2019 on loan to Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle, where he scored 9 goals, added 3 assists, in 2,992 minutes in all competitions, or a strike rate of 1 goal every 3.7 matches, which is not too dissimilar to Reyna's 7 goals, 2 assists, in 2,150 minutes, or a strike rate of 1 goal every 3.4 matches.