Vancouver Whitecaps add Colombian wingback Édier Ocampo as ...
Various reports are saying the transfer fee is US$1.7 million, which would make it one of the most expensive acquisitions in Whitecaps history.
Get the latest from Steve Ewen straight to your inbox
Published Aug 08, 2024 • Last updated 4 hours ago • 3 minute read
The rumours about the Vancouver Whitecaps adding Colombian youth international wingback Édier Ocampo have come to fruition.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events.Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account.The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events.Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account.The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.or
Article content
The Whitecaps announced Thursday that they had acquired the 20-year-old via transfer from Colombia’s Categoría Primera A side Atlético Nacional, and that he has agreed to a contract through 2027, with a club option for 2028, and will occupy an international and U22 Initiative roster slot. He will officially join the club’s Major League Soccer roster pending receipt of his international transfer certificate, work permit and visa.
Thursday marked the end of the MLS’ Canadian clubs secondary transfer window. Reports about the Whitecaps bringing in the 5-foot-9, 150-pound Ocampo started last month. There are various reports the transfer fee is coming in at US$1.7 million, which would make it one of the most expensive acquisitions in team history. The website TransferMarkt has it at No. 10. Forward Lucas Cavallini tops that list after coming to Vancouver in December 2019 via a $6 million transfer fee.
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Article content
Article content
Vancouver is idle until Aug. 24, when they host LAFC at B.C. Place. The regular season wraps Oct. 19. The Whitecaps (11-8-5) currently sit fifth in the Western Conference. The top nine teams in the 14-team loop make the playoffs.
“We identified Édier last fall as a young, high-potential player who would suit our style of play,” Whitecaps FC sporting director Axel Schuster explained in a team press release. “He is a fast, explosive wingback, aggressive on both sides of the ball, and is very direct in how he plays. We have started the visa process and hope to have him available as soon as possible. He has never played club football outside of Colombia so we will need time to adapt but we are all very excited to welcome Édier to Vancouver.”
Article content
Ocampo was quoted in the release as saying: “I’m very excited to join Vancouver Whitecaps FC and I can’t wait to arrive in Vancouver and meet my new teammates and coaches. Hopefully, with the help of God, we can reach the objectives we want. I can’t wait to feel the support of our fans and fight for them so we can win trophies, which is what we all want.”
Ocampo is from San Andrés de Tumaco, Colombia, and he’s spent the past two seasons with Atlético Nacional. He recorded three goals and one assist in 18 starts and 23 appearances across all competitions for Nacional during the 2024 campaign. Ocampo came through Nacional’s academy system and made his first team debut in April 2023. In total, he started 45 of his 58 appearances, scored three goals, and added five assists across all competitions. Ocampo also won the 2023 Copa Colombia and the 2023 Colombian Superliga during his time with the club.
Article content
A Colombian youth international, Ocampo has made 25 appearances for his country at the U-19, U-20, and U-23 levels. Four of those appearances came at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina.
@SteveEwen
Recommended from Editorial
Pumas eliminate Whitecaps from Leagues Cup with 2-0 win in Vancouver
How B.C. grew to punch above its weight in sports and at the Olympics
Bookmark our website and support our journalism: Don’t miss the news you need to know — add VancouverSun.com and TheProvince.com to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters here.
You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber: For just $14 a month, you can get unlimited access to The Vancouver Sun, The Province, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. Support us by subscribing today: The Vancouver Sun | The Province.
Article content
