The Whitecaps are closing in on yet another deadline-day deal. The Whitecaps are closing in on yet another deadline-day deal.

Dembo Saidykhan set to join Vancouver Whitecaps

MENDOZA, ARGENTINA - MAY 25: Dembo Saidykhan of Gambia runs in the field during FIFA U-20 World Cup Argentina 2023 Group F match between France and Gambia at Mendoza Stadium on May 25, 2023 in Mendoza, Argentina. (Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
MENDOZA, ARGENTINA - MAY 25: Dembo Saidykhan of Gambia runs in the field during FIFA U-20 World Cup Argentina 2023 Group F match between France and Gambia at Mendoza Stadium on May 25, 2023 in Mendoza, Argentina. (Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) /
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The Whitecaps are closing in on yet another deadline-day deal.

The Vancouver Whitecaps are set to sign 19-year-old center back Dembo Saidykhan from Steve Biko FC per Manuel Veth of Transfermarkt. Saidykhan, a Gambian youth international, turned heads with his performances at the U-20 World Cup. A stunning ascent for the defender who started the tournament on the bench and finished as a standout.

At 6’0’’ and lanky, Saidykhan excels at cutting out passes and sweeping up loose balls. His performances at the U-20 World Cup showed a defender willing to press high and engage in attacks using a quality right foot.

Busy Day for Vancouver

Once again, Vancouver has proved victorious in a deadline-day transfer battle. This time beating out Rangers, Toulouse, Southampton, and more for the promising teenager. The signing of Saidykhan will be Vancouver’s third signing of deadline day as the team continues a quick retooling. And Vancouver may not be done.

Julian Gressel and Déiber Caicedo are out. While the team just today has brought in Saidykhan, Richie Laryea, and Malek Mehri. The team continues to negotiate with Turkish club Hatayspor for Canadian international Sam Adekugbe.