Vancouver Whitecaps: Sigthorsson fills void left by offseason departures

The Vancouver Whitecaps have a clear and painful attacking void after key offseason departures. They may well fill it with Icelandic center-forward, Kolbeinn Sigthorsson.

The Vancouver Whitecaps will have a much different look in 2019 after the offseason departure of their offensive stars. Now, it appears they will turn to an Icelandic international for a goal-scoring spark.

With only two official forwards listed on the Vancouver Whitecaps team sheet, the inevitable news of the club being linked to a forward was coming. The player linked may be somewhat of a surprise as it involves an Icelandic international from Ligue 1. Kolbeinn Sigthorsson is the player who the Whitecaps have their eye on as they look to add the experienced forward.

Sigthorsson currently is a member of Nantes in Ligue 1 and has not seen regular playing time for the French club. As a result, this move seems likely as the Icelandic winger would find the playing time at a premium in Major League Soccer.

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Before his time in Ligue 1, the 28-year-old had a long career in the Dutch top flight playing for Ajax and AZ Alkmaar. He made 105 appearances for Ajax with 35 goals and eight assists.

For his home country of Iceland, Sigthorsson has made 46 appearances and scored 23 goals. His most recent action came in an international friendly against Qatar where he scored one goal. In 2016, he scored two goals for Iceland in their incredible run at the Euro 2016 tournament.

As previously mentioned, the Whitecaps only have two forwards listed on their roster which are Anthony Blondell and Theo Bair. Sigthorsson would have to been seen as the starter heading into 2019 if he joins the Whitecaps. He has the track record to back up his pedigree as a big signing.

Although Sigthorsson has rarely seen playing time for Nantes, his goal-scoring record in the Dutch Eredivisie shows he possess the ability to contribute goals. The Whitecaps will be hoping he can bring goals due to the loss of Alphonso Davies and Kei Kamara in the offseason.

This should be a big signing for the Whitecaps and one that can pay dividends at the end of 2019. Sigthorsson needs a move away from Nantes and the Whitecaps need a veteran forward, this move comes at the best of times.