TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Extension
Vancouver Whitecaps FC have signed attacking midfielder Ryan Gauld to a Designated Player contract extension through the 2027 MLS season, the club announced Thursday.
The 28-year-old Scotland native is entering his fourth season with Vancouver. He is their club leader with 60 goal contributions (26g/34a) across 94 all-competition appearances during the MLS era.
"Since joining the club in the summer of 2021, Ryan has been the creative force behind our attack and one of the league’s best players,” Whitecaps sporting director Axel Schuster said in a release.
"He has helped us push forward as a club by making the MLS Cup Playoffs twice and winning two Canadian Championships, all while bringing a top level of professionalism to the locker room every day.
"Ryan and his fiancée Kat have embraced the city as a second home and have supported local organizations in our community. We are pleased to confirm Ryan will be with us in the long term as he helps us achieve our goals in the years to come."
Gauld, who originally joined Vancouver in July 2021 from Portuguese side SC Farense, is coming off his most prolific season to date. He finished ninth league-wide in goal contributions with 23 (11g/12a), was named a Landon Donovan MLS MVP candidate and earned 12 Team of the Matchday presented by Audi recognitions.
In Vancouver, Gauld originally played as a No. 10 before shifting last season into a second-forward role alongside Brian White. Together, they formed one of MLS’ most dangerous one-two punches and combined for 26g/17a.
"From day one, the support in the city has been great. My fiancée and I have felt welcomed by everyone in and around the club," said Gauld, who’s a Dundee United youth product.
"To know that I’m going to be in Vancouver for the next four years is a good feeling. We’ve loved the time we’ve had here, and we are looking forward to what’s to come."
Gauld and Vancouver, as back-to-back Canadian Championship winners, re-open their competitive calendar on Feb. 7 vs. Mexican side Tigres UANL in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Their league campaign starts on March 2 vs. Charlotte FC (7:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass).
READ MORE: MLS Transfer Tracker presented by Avant
