It would seem Déiber Caicedo’s time in MLS is coming to an end.
Vancouver Whitecaps are sending Déiber Caicedo on loan to Junior FC in his native Colombia. In order to execute a loan, Caicedo’s contract has been extended until 2024. This allows the Canadian club to include a buy option at the end of the loan.
Purchased from Deportivo Cali for $2.8M in 2021, Caicedo, 23, had a bright start to life in Vancouver. The winger was a constant presence on the pitch, appearing in 54 matches including 38 starts over the next season and half. During this run, Caicedo established himself as one of the more promising talents in the league, scoring six goals and making eight assists.
Then he suffered a major knee injury on June 26th playing the New England Revolution. Surgery to repair his torn meniscus ruled Caicedo out through the beginning of the 2023 season.
Since making his return, Caicedo has made 15 appearances, all from the bench and failing to register a single-goal contribution.
With Caicedo no longer part of Vanni Sartini’s plan, it makes sense for both parties to move on. Caicedo’s departure will allow Vancouver to continue its radical summer facelift, opening up both an international and U-22 spot.
At only 23, Caicedo still has a ton of promise to fulfill. Unfortunately, it likely will not be in MLS.