Vancouver Whitecaps acquire Sam Adekugbe

Deadline stayed busy in Vancouver.

The Vancouver Whitecaps have signed left back Sam Adekugbe from Turkish club Hatayspor. Vancouver has paid $1M for the Canadian international, who is a graduate of the Whitecaps academy.

Adekugbe, 28, is a native of London, England, but moved to Canada in 2004 and joined the Whitecaps academy in 2011. Not too long after, Adekugbe would make his first team debut in 2013. Adekugbe would make 23 appearances across four seasons in Vancouver, eventually leaving on loan for Brighton & Hove Albion and IFK Göteborg.

Following the expiration of his contract, Adekugbe signed for Norwegian club Vålerenga. It was here that Adekugbe finally found some consistent minutes. For Vålerenga, the Canadian developed into a key player and his global prominence, leading to a transfer to Hatayspor. In Turkey, Adekugbe continued to put in sound performances for Hatayspor. Adekugbe would spend a season and a half with Hatayspor and spent the second half of last season on loan to Turkish giants Galatasaray. Galatasaray, looking to reinforce its flanks as they competed for the Süper Lig title. Together, Gala and Adekugbe would finish their season by lifting the trophy.

Vancouver Market

The Whitecaps were busy completing a radical facelift yesterday. They made four signings while Déiber Caicedo was shown the door. This is already a week after the Julian Gressel trade.

Adekugbe becomes the second Canadian international to join Vancouver on deadline day, joining Richie Laryea. It would appear Vancouver is targeting Canadian internationals in an attempt to attract Canadian attention and loyalty.

Outside of the marketing opportunities, Adekugbe offers plenty to Vancouver. He is an upgrade both offensively and defensively over promising youngster Ali Ahmed. As Vancouver gears up for a playoff run, Adekugbe’s experience and leadership should shine.