TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing
The Vancouver Whitecaps have completed the permanent transfer of center back Ranko Veselinovic from Serbian SuperLiga club FK Vojvodina, with the player signing a contract through 2023, the club announced Sunday.
The 21-year-old joined the Whitecaps on an initial loan deal with the use of Allocation Money in February. The agreement included a provision automatically making the transfer permanent if Veselinovic made 12 regular-season starts, a mark he will reach in Sunday's game at LA Galaxy (10:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info).
“Last winter, during the recruitment process of bringing Ranko to Vancouver, we structured the agreement to provide roster flexibility and at the same time we fully expected him to be a long-term member of our club.” said Whitecaps sporting director and chief executive officer Axel Schuster in a team release. “Throughout this very challenging year, Ranko has adapted extremely well and has been a great addition to our club. We are excited to have him as a member of our club for the next number of years.”
A Serbian youth international, Veselinovic appeared in 13 of the Whitecaps' 18 games this season prior to Sunday.
“When we first acquired Ranko, we knew about his qualities on the pitch and over the last eight months we have learned about the man off the pitch,” added Whitecaps head coach Marc Dos Santos. “As a young center back, he shows a lot of maturity, as well as a willingness to learn. We are excited to continue to work with Ranko and help with his development and progression.”
