TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing
Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Friday they have acquired forward Joaquin Ardaiz as a young Designated Player, on a year-long loan, with an option to purchase, from Swiss second-division club FC Chiasso.
Ardaiz, 20, is a Uruguayan U-20 international and joins after a recent stint in Serie A.
“Joaquin is a young striker with a very high ceiling and has the physical and technical tools to succeed in MLS,” said Whitecaps FC head coach Marc Dos Santos in a team statement. “He’s at the early stages of his career and we’re going to work with him to reach his full potential. We believe in his ability and we’re looking forward to adding him to the team.”
The Salto, Uruguay native began his career at Danubio, turning pro in 2016. He joined Belgian club Royal Antwerp in 2017, and most recently played for Italian club Frosinone, making one appearance before being recalled by Chiasso.
He's played extensively for Uruguay's U-20s, helping them win the 2017 South American U-20 Championship and finish fourth at the 2017 U-20 World Cup.
He's the second striker on Vancouver's roster, joining Homegrown youngster Theo Bair. The Whitecaps will open the 2019 MLS regular season on March 2 at home against Minnesota United FC.
