VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC acquired 21-year-old Tunisian centre back Jasser Khmiri on Friday, bolstering their back line with another promising young talent.

The 6-foot-4 defender is Vancouver’s most recent roster acquisition, following the addition of rising South Korean midfielder Inbeom Hwang, as the club continues preparations ahead of their March 2 home opener at BC Place. Khmiri is the first Tunisian to sign in Major League Soccer.

“Jasser is a player who caught our eye thanks to his strong performances with the Tunisian U-21 national team,” said Whitecaps FC head coach Marc Dos Santos. “He’s 6-foot-4, he has very good speed, and he’s comfortable with the ball, which are all qualities we are looking for in a centre back. At 21 years old, we believe Jasser has a tremendous upside and that he can become an important player for this club.”

TRANSACTION: Whitecaps FC acquire centre back Jasser Khmiri via transfer from Stade Tunisien. Khmiri has agreed to a three-year contract through 2021 with a club option for 2022. He will occupy an international roster spot and officially join the club's roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC), work permit, visa, and medical examinations.

Whitecaps FC centre back Jasser Khmiri

Three call-ups to Tunisia’s senior men’s national team in the past year

A stand-out performer for Tunisia at the youth national team level

38 appearances and three goals across all competitions in three plus seasons with Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 club Stade Tunisien

Khmiri burst onto the scene with outstanding performances at the youth level with the Tunisian national team. He was first called up to Tunisia’s senior national team in preparation for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, including a camp last January in Qatar, then again in September of 2018.

The native of Tunis, Tunisia, made his professional debut at the age of 18 with Stade Tunisien in May 2016. He played three seasons with Stade Tunisien, collecting 38 appearances and scoring three goals including cup competition.

Whitecaps FC kick off the 40th anniversary season of their 1979 Soccer Bowl championship when they host Minnesota United FC on Saturday, March 2 at BC Place. Visit whitecapsfc.com for ticket information.

Jasser Khmiri

Pronunciation: kah-mere-ee

Position: Centre back

Height: 6-04

Weight: 185 pounds

Date of Birth: July 27, 1997 in Tunis, Tunisia

Hometown: Tunis, Tunisia

Citizenship: Tunisia

Status: International

Last club: Stade Tunisien (Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 ‘15-’19)