VANCOUVER, BC – Ali Adnan has committed to Whitecaps FC.



Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Friday that the club has acquired left back Adnan from Italian Serie A club Udinese Calcio in a multimillion-dollar transaction, setting an MLS transfer record for the fullback position. The Iraqi international has agreed to a new contract through 2021, with an option for 2022, and will occupy a Designated Player roster slot.

Adnan originally joined Vancouver on a loan through June 30 and will be available pending receipt of his permanent International Transfer Certificate (ITC).



“Ali has been a great addition to our club since arriving in March,” said Whitecaps FC head coach Marc Dos Santos. “He understands our defensive principles and has an incredible ability to join the attack, create in the last third, which is very important for teams that want to have an impact offensively using their fullbacks.”



"From my first day at this club, I feel like I’m at home. It’s not easy to find a club like this,” added Adnan. “I am very thankful to the club’s ownership, coaches, staff, and my teammates. The fans and city of Vancouver have been extremely welcoming and supportive. I look forward to representing everyone at the club to the best of my ability.”

THE BEST OF ALI ADNAN

Adnan has started all 16 matches for Whitecaps FC since making his debut on March 30 against Seattle. The 6-foot-1 fullback has recorded one goal, two assists, and leads the team in duels won, aerials won, completed dribbles, and passes played into the opponent’s box.



Whitecaps FC left back Ali Adnan 2019 statistics in MLS:

136 duels won – second most by a defender, sixth most overall

47 aerials won – fourth most by a fullback, 18th most overall

35 completed dribbles – most by a defender, tied for 13th most overall

71 passes played into the opponent's box - tied for third most by a defender

“This has been a thorough process, and I give a lot of credit to our ownership and to our staff for their hard work and diligence throughout,” explained Dos Santos. “Ali has thoroughly enjoyed his time here and has received tremendous support from our fans. We are very pleased that Ali is committed to Vancouver and our club.”

ONE ON ONE WITH MARC DOS SANTOS