The Vancouver Whitecaps today announced that it has loaned 20-year-old striker Caleb Clarke to German Bundesliga club FC Augsburg for the next year.
While in Germany, Clarke will be a part of the club's U-23 side and will train regularly with the club's first team.
“Caleb is a young player with a lot of upside," Whitecaps coach Martin Rennie said in a team statement. “This is a great opportunity for Caleb to continue in his development and we look forward to seeing the progress he’ll make while with FC Augsburg.”
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A native of Richmond, BC, Clarke joined the Whitecaps FC Residency program in 2009 and went on to sign a contract as the club's sixth Homegrown player in April 2012. He made his MLS debut as a substitute on Aug. 15 last year against FC Dallas. Clarke's other appearance came in an Oct. 3 match against Chivas USA. He has also suited up for five reserve league tilts.
While playing with the 'Caps U-23 club in the USL Premier Development League, Clarke tallied five goals in seven appearances, and in the U-18 Residency side, he netted 24 goals in 27 appearances. The 6-foot-1 striker also has appeared with the Canadian national team at the U-18 and U-20 levels.
It will be Clarke's third stint in Germany, previously having trials with FC Augsburg from May 13 to 17 and with FC Rot-Weiss Erfurt in the 3.Bundesliga in June 2012. He has also had trials with Dutch club Feyernoord Rotterdam May 20 to 24 and with Italian club Udinese Calcio in August 2008 and April to May 2009.
