Whitecaps and Orlando exchange Giles Barnes and Brek Shea

Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Orlando City SC have traded Giles Barnes and Brek Shea in a swap deal, a week before the start of the 2017 MLS season.

The Vancouver Whitecaps and Orlando City announced a player swap on Saturday. Giles Barnes is headed to Florida, less than a year after joining the Whitecaps from Houston Dynamo. Meanwhile, former US international Brek Shea has signed for Vancouver.

Barnes’ departure will come as no surprise to Whitecaps fans. The Jamaican international had a challenging few months as a Whitecap after joining Vancouver at the end of July 2016. He scored two goals in 10 MLS appearances. Barnes’ goals will be remembered fondly, however, as they both came in the final match of the season, allowing the Whitecaps to win the Cascadia Cup with a 4-1 win against the Portland Timbers.

The rumors throughout the offseason suggested Barnes was on his way to Blackburn Rovers. Blackburn coach Owen Coyle admitted to the Lancashire Telegraph that he had tried to bring Barnes in on a loan, but was deterred by salary considerations.

"“Giles Barnes was a player we looked to take on loan with a view to signing in August, that never happened, so in January I spoke with Vancouver Whitecaps and I was in a position where we probably could have got Giles Barnes on a free transfer if we could look after the salary aspect.”"

Barnes, in turn, seemed happy to be on his way out, citing issues with the turf field at BC Place.

Two left-sided players

Barnes played primarily on the left wing for the Whitecaps, and in Shea, they have acquired another left-sided midfielder. Shea is more defensively-minded than Barnes, however, and can fill in for Marcel de Jong and Jordan Harvey.

Shea also knows where the back of the net is. He scored 22 goals in 149 MLS appearances with Orlando and FC Dallas. In between his five seasons in Dallas and two years in Orlando, Shea spent two seasons with Stoke City in the English Premier League. At 6 ft 3 in, he also brings an extra physical side to the team.

This trade is shaping up to be a positive one for both sides. If Jason Kreis is moving Orlando City towards a 4-4-2 formation, then they have moved out a player who did not suit their system. Barnes, on the other hand, plays best as a second striker in a 4-4-2.

Related Story: Fredy Montero Signs for Vancouver Whitecaps

Meanwhile, the Whitecaps have replaced Barnes’ $756,250 guaranteed salary, according to the MLS Players Union. Vancouver will find it easier to buy down Shea’s $595,000 salary to below the Designated Player threshold. That would free the Whitecaps up to find another DP.

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