Whitecap Moves

Given all the hype for the match and played on “April Fools Day” some “names withheld” mentioned that there was a “slim” possibility that David Beckham might be in the line-up for his last official match and many believed this to be true!

Others at the game, er:match had mentioned that they were under the impression it was a way in which to draw additional fans to the match and it might have helped as the attendance was 25,083 in the building where the roof was closed to the delight of those in the press box.

In what some call news from “left field” given the magnitude of the trade the Vancouver Whitecaps FC officially announced two days prior to hosting the LA Galaxy the announcement came that they have acquired 27-year old central midfielder Tony Tchani in exchange for Kekuta Manneh.

He has played seven years in the MLS makes his way from Columbus Crew  where a total of $225,000 Targeted Allocation Money was exchanged as well as $75,000 in General Allocation Money.

Manneh (22) is in the last year of his contract and providing that the Crew sign him to a new or extension to his contract Vancouver will the receive their first round MLS SuperDraft selection immediately following draft.

If Manneh is traded or moved by Columbus then the Whitecaps FC will receive additional General Allocation Money even if he is trade prior to December 31, 2018.

The Whitecaps will also keep a  certain percentage of any future transfer fee if he (Manneh) is transferred outside of the MLS.

Whitecaps newest addition (Tchani) will be added to Vancouver’s roster  all pending a receipt of his international transfer certificate and a Canadian work permit.

Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson told the assembled media “We have acquired an experienced, athletic, box-to-box player in Tony, who will help solidify our midfield.”  

He continued “Tony is someone I enjoyed working with during my time in New York and I’m excited to have him join our group and in addition, the allocation money provides further opportunity to strengthen our roster and depending on what’s next for Kekuta, there is also the potential of additional returns.

Robinson mentioned  to the media “We are thankful to Kekuta for his contributions to this club over his four plus years. He is a good kid and a talented player who had some special moments in Vancouver, and we wish him all the best.”

Tchani calls Cameroon home and spent five seasons in Columbus, helping them reach the 2015 MLS Cup Final following a year in which he recorded five goals and six assists.

The same year he led Columbus with 1403 successful passes, being the fifth highest total in MLS.

Prior to moving to Columbus and received his U.S. citizenship in 2013 spending his first two seasons in MLS with New York Red Bulls, when Robinson was a player/assistant coach.

Tchani was drafted in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft second overall and has played in 172 MLS regular season matches, recording 10 goals and 21 assists.

In Cup play, Tchani has one goal in eight appearances in the MLS Cup Playoffs, one assist in eight appearances in the U.S. Open Cup, and four appearances in the Canadian Championship.

Manneh from Gambia joined Whitecaps FC as the fourth overall selection in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft – a pick Whitecaps FC acquired from Toronto FC making 101 MLS regular season appearances scoring 22 goals and adding 12 assists.

Manneh also made three appearances in the MLS Cup Playoffs, scored one goal in two CONCACAF Champions League appearances, and added one goal in 11 Canadian Championship appearances.

Either way, the change can help both clubs