The Vancouver Whitecaps announced Monday they have re-signed striker Caleb Clarke and finalized the future considerations part of their trade with Toronto FC for midfielder Matias Laba.
The ‘Caps also picked up the contract options on nine players and declined five, including two main pieces from last season’s team, Sebastian Fernandez and Mauro Rosales, with whom Vancouver said they remain in negotiation.
“Last year we built a solid core group of players and we continue to head in the right direction,” Vancouver head coach Carl Robinson said in a statement. “Consistency is important, and we are excited to have the vast majority of our roster returning next season.”
The Whitecaps picked up options on goalkeepers Marco Carducci, David Ousted and Paolo Tornaghi, defender Ethen Sampson, midfielders Mehdi Ballouchy, Gerson Koffie and Andre Lewis and strikers Erik Hurtado and Darren Mattocks.
The ‘Caps declined options on center back Johnny Leveron, midfielder Nicolas Mezquida and striker Mamadou Diouf, as well as Fernandez and Rosales. The ‘Caps said they are also still in negotiations with out-of-contract center back Andy O’Brien.
“There are still a number of decisions that are currently taking place, and we will continue to provide updates when available,” Robinson said.
Toronto FC received funds as the final portion of the Laba trade.
"Finalizing terms and acquiring funds will assist us as we continue with our strategic planning at both the youth and first team levels," Toronto FC General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko said in a statement. "This could be used to help the financing of current or future Designated Players as well as other initiatives to improve our club."
