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Whitecaps trade Kekuta Manneh to Columbus in exchange for Tony Tchani

By Gareth Wolff

Sep 10, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Crew SC midfielder Tony Tchani (6) dribbles the ball while Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Andrew Jacobson (17) defends in the second half of the match at Mapfre Stadium. The Vancouver Whitecaps beat Columbus Crew SC by the score of 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Crew SC midfielder Tony Tchani (6) dribbles the ball while Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Andrew Jacobson (17) defends in the second half of the match at Mapfre Stadium. The Vancouver Whitecaps beat Columbus Crew SC by the score of 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced Thursday that they have traded Kekuta Manneh to Columbus Crew. In exchange, the Whitecaps have picked up midfielder Tony Tchani and $300,000 in allocation money.

In a shock announcement on Thursday, the Vancouver Whitecaps and Columbus Crew announced a player trade. Winger/forward Kekuta Manneh heads to Ohio, while midfielder Tony Tchani will join the Whitecaps.

As well as Tchani, the Whitecaps received the following:

  • $225,000 in Targeted Allocation Money (TAM);
  • $75,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM);
  • a percentage of any future sale of Manneh to a team outside of MLS, or additional GAM if he is traded by December 31, 2018; and
  • if Manneh signs a new contract with Columbus, Vancouver will receive their first round pick in next year’s SuperDraft.

Logic over emotion

Manneh’s departure will come as a shock to many Whitecaps fans. Affectionately nicknamed ‘Scooter’, Manneh was a fan favourite at BC Place, a fast, young player with tonnes of talent on the ball. He’s not afraid to take defenders on and scored his fair share of goals.

That being said, this seems to be a pragmatic move by the Whitecaps. In Alphonso Davies, Cristian Techera, Christian Bolaños, Brek Shea, Marcel de Jong, and Mauro Rosales, the Caps have an abundance of wingers. Central midfield, on the other hand, is a problem area, and that’s where Tchani comes in, according to coach Carl Robinson:

"We’ve acquired an experienced, athletic, box-to-box player in Tony, who will help solidify our midfield. Tony is someone I enjoyed working with during my time in New York and I’m excited to have him join our group. In addition, the allocation money provides further opportunity to strengthen our roster."

Jun 18, 2016; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Kekuta Manneh (23) dribbles the ball against the New England Revolution during the first half at BC Place. The New England Revolution won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 18, 2016; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Kekuta Manneh (23) dribbles the ball against the New England Revolution during the first half at BC Place. The New England Revolution won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports /

Manneh has struggled with injuries recently and has had a rough start to this MLS season. Against San Jose Earthquakes, he was faulted for neglecting his defensive duties for the equalizing goal. Robinson then left Manneh on the bench against Tigres in the CONCACAF Champions League. He was also a second half substitute against Toronto FC two weeks ago.

With Manneh in the last year of his contract, the move also makes financial sense. He recently gained his US citizenship and was also called into Bruce Arena’s January camp. His star is very much in the ascendant south of the border, making this the perfect time to cash in.

Instead of Manneh potentially leaving for free at the end of the year, Vancouver have picked up allocation money that gives them more flexibility to address other gaps in the squad.

A win for Columbus

If the Whitecaps are content they have made a logical, Columbus fans can also be thrilled to have picked up an exciting young player like Manneh. At 22 years of age, Manneh still has plenty of room to develop. And while the Caps have addressed a problem area, the Crew are unlikely to miss Tchani. The Cameroon-born midfielder has made no appearances this year, and did not seem to feature in Gregg Berhalter’s plans.

Next: Whitecaps Waston and Bolaños Shine for Costa Rica

Will the Whitecaps regret letting Manneh go? Or was it the right move? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.

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