Vancouver Whitecaps acquire Brazilian midfielder Caio Alexandre from Botafogo

TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing

The Vancouver Whitecaps have acquired midfielder Caio Alexandre from Brazilian side Botafogo, the club announced Friday. He signed a contract through 2024. 

Alexandre, 22, made 50 appearances last season with Botafogo, scoring five goals. He is a product of the club's youth academy and captained the U-20 side along the way to the first team. A versatile central option, he has excelled in a box-to-box role. 

“We are very pleased to welcome Caio Alexandre, who embraced our vision here in Vancouver, despite him also having offers from clubs in Brazil,” CEO & sporting director Axel Schuster said in a club statement. “We are building a young, energetic team with a very clear identity and expectation. In his young age, he has already proven he can perform in one of the top 10 leagues in the world. The calendar will be very demanding this year and adding a player with Caio’s qualities will only improve our group.”

Alexandre is the club's latest offseason addition, following Colombian youth international winger Deiber Caicedo and right back Bruno Gaspar. The club still have one remaining Designated Player spot for further reinforcements as well. 

“I would like to say to the fans, I am extremely happy to join this great club and I will always do my best to bring joy to the faces of all of you,” said Alexandre.

Alexandre isn't the first MLS import from Botafogo, following Seattle Sounders midfielder Joao Paulo. He also follows FC Cincinnati's forward Brenner and Miami midfielder Gregore from the Brazilian top flight to MLS this winter, while the New York Red Bulls signed forward Fabio from the Brazilian second tier.