Latest news with #DesignatedPlayer
CBC
a day ago
- Sport
- CBC
Vancouver Whitecaps' star addition Thomas Müller touches down at YVR
German football star Thomas Müller has touched down at YVR. The Whitecaps' newest and most high profile addition to date is signed for the rest of the 2025 season, and has a designated player option for 2026. He may play his first MLS game on Sunday when the Whitecaps take on Houston.
Reuters
a day ago
- Sport
- Reuters
Timbers acquire F Kristoffer Velde from Olympiacos
August 14 - By Field Level Media The Portland Timbers announced Wednesday that they have acquired Norwegian international Kristoffer Velde from Olympiacos FC of Greek Super League 1. Velde, 25, arrives for a $5 million transfer fee, according to reports. The forward will occupy a Designated Player spot on the Timbers roster and is under contract through 2028 with an option for '29. He replaces Uruguay international forward Jonathan Rodriguez, whom the club lost to a season-ending knee injury in July. The Haugesund, Norway, native joins a Portland attack led by All-Star midfielder David Da Costa and emerging 23-year-old winger Antony. "We are excited to welcome Kristoffer Velde as the newest member of the Portland Timbers," said general manager Ned Grabavoy. "It was a necessity in this transfer window to explore the market with the intent of adding a dangerous attacking threat, and Kristoffer gives us just that. "His aggressive mindset to go at defenders and cause issues for opponents off the dribble should make our attack more balanced and powerful. We are eager for his debut in the green and gold." Velde joins Portland after spending the 2024-25 season with Olympiacos. He tallied six goals and two assists in 34 matches across all competitions, helping Olympiacos FC win the Super Ligue 1 Championship and the 2024-2025 Greek Cup. Before playing for Olympiacos, Velde spent three seasons with top Polish side Lech Poznan (2022-2024), where he amassed 29 goals and 13 assists in 98 appearances and helped The Railwayman reach the 2021-2022 Polish Cup final and claim the 2021-2022 Ekstraklasa title. "Velde is an exciting player with incredible determination, drive and self-belief," Timbers head coach Phil Neville said. "His presence will spark our offense and implement a new level of creativity for the team. We believe he is going to be a major asset for us in our quest for success."
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Vancouver Whitecaps sign former Bayern Munich forward Thomas Müller
Former Bayern Munich forward Thomas Müller in joining the Vancouver Whitecaps in arguably the biggest signing in club history. Müller, who won the World Cup with Germany in 2014, will join the Whitecaps for the remainder of the season in an open roster spot. Terms of the deal were not released. It includes a Designated Player option for 2026. 'Whitecaps — let's make history,' Müller said in a video he posted online Wednesday that showed him unboxing a Vancouver jersey. The 35-year-old Müller has spent the last 17 years with Bayern Munich in the German Bundesliga, helping the club win 13 league championships and 33 total titles during that span. He scored 250 goals in 756 appearances with Bayern across all competitions, but his contract was not renewed after last season. At the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Müller scored five goals. He also scored five goals at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, winning the Golden Boot. Müller's final match with Bayern came this summer at the Club World Cup, losing 2-0 in the quarterfinals to Paris Saint-Germain in Atlanta. He came into the match as a late substitute. Müller joined Bayern's academy as a 10-year-old in 2000. He made his senior debut under Jurgen Klinsmann in 2008 and his breakthrough came under Louis van Gaal the following season. The club announced in a joint statement in April that it would be his last season. In a post on social media, Müller said he understood Bayern's decision 'even if this did not reflect my personal wishes.' 'Thomas Müller is the definition of a Bavarian fairytale career; he grew in Bavaria and with Bayern,' club president Herbert Hainer said. 'Nobody has won more Bundesliga titles, and 33 trophies in total so far speak volumes. He ranks among the most outstanding personalities in FC Bayern history.' Müller retired from international soccer after last year's European Championship, having scored 45 goals in 131 appearances for Germany. The Whitecaps obtained Müller's MLS discovery rights from FC Cincinnati in exchange for up to $400,000 in General Allocation Money to complete the signing. He will occupy an international roster spot. 'Thomas is a natural leader whose passion for the game is infectious. This is a statement signing by our club and our ownership — a transformative moment for our club and our city,' Vancouver sporting director and CEO Axel Schuster said in statement. Müller is set to arrive in Vancouver next week. His first practice and introductory news conference with the club are scheduled for Thursday. In a video provided by the Whitecaps, Müller said: 'They (the fans) can expect that I'm always 100%. You can watch my skills in YouTube videos or several TV shows, but you can expect that I'm fully into it. And for me, that's the most important part.' The Whitecaps (13-5-6) are currently second in the MLS Western Conference standings behind expansion San Diego FC. ___ AP soccer: Anne M. Peterson, The Associated Press
Washington Post
06-08-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
Vancouver Whitecaps sign former Bayern Munich forward Thomas Müller
Former Bayern Munich forward Thomas Müller in joining the Vancouver Whitecaps in arguably the biggest signing in club history. Müller, who won the World Cup with Germany in 2014, will join the Whitecaps for the remainder of the season in an open roster spot. Terms of the deal were not released. It includes a Designated Player option for 2026.
Yahoo
26-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Columbus Crew sign Club World Cup breakout star Wessam Abou Ali from Al Ahly as Designated Player
Crew sign Abou Ali as new DP Forward joins for reported $7.5 million fee Palestine International was breakout star of CWC WHAT HAPPENED? The Columbus Crew has signed a new Designated Player in Wessam Abou Ahli of Al Ahly in Egypt. The 26-year-old Palestine international cost a reported $7.5M fee and up to an additional $1M in add-ons. He joins on a contract through 2027, with an option for 2028, and will occupy a DP slot alongside Diego Rossi and Daniel Gazdag for the Eastern Conference side. At the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States this summer, the forward scored three goals, being one of the breakout performers of the competition. "Wessam is a special player whose journey speaks to his resilience, character, and tireless work ethic, which are qualities we value at our club," said Crew general manager Issa Tall. "He is a proven goal-scorer who knows what it takes to help his team win. His clinical finishing, energy, and charisma will strengthen our squad, and we are confident that he will thrive within our system." THE BIGGER PICTURE At Al Ahly, Abou Ali scored 38 goals and recorded 10 assists in 60 matches across all competitions. He won four titles with the club, including the 2023-24 CAF Champions League, and at the CWC this summer, bagged a hat-trick against FC Porto in the Group Stage. During the 2023-24 Egyptian Premier League season, he won the Golden Boot. Internationally, he has four goals in 10 appearances with Palestine. "The Haslam, Johnson, and Edwards families continue to show their commitment to the club's long-term success, including through investing in the roster, improving our facilities, and supporting our academy," Tall said. "This signing is also the result of Wilfried, Marc, and our entire soccer operations team collaborating and establishing a clear vision over many months. We'll continue to strengthen the roster together through our One Club focus as we remain committed to contending for championships." DID YOU KNOW? The Crew were named MLS Cup champions in 2023, and followed it up in 2024 with a CONCACAF Champions Cup final appearance, and a Leagues Cup title. With Abou Ali added to their ranks, they'll now look to secure a piece of silverware for the third-straight season. WHAT NEXT? The Crew report to the pitch Tuesday evening for their Leagues Cup opener, when they take on Toluca. The match will serve as the first chance for Abou Ali to debut for the club.
