By Alex Rickman
We are less than a month away from the Whitecaps beginning their 2026 campaign, and the boys have reported to Marbella for preseason camp ahead of what will surely be an exciting season on the West Coast.
Expectations are high from Caps fans following the unprecedented success of the 2025 season, and getting off to a good start will be critical to finding that same success this year. With Thomas Müller now preparing for his first full season with the club, and the hope of a fully healthy Ryan Gauld teaming up with him for a full season, there’s a lot to be excited about in Vancouver. However, some key departures and last year’s injury problems, additions to the roster will be essential between now and the start of the season. Let’s take a look at some of the possible incoming players who could help bolster the Whitecaps roster ahead of this season.
One new signing has already been made, with 24-year-old midfielder Oliver Larraz, most recently a member of the Colorado Rapids, signing as a free agent. With underlying numbers somewhat similar to those of Andres Cubas, Larraz has presumably been brought in for some extra depth behind the Caps star man in the middle. With fixture congestion set to be a major hurdle for Vancouver this year, adding quality depth players like Larraz will be crucial for getting through the long season without petering out.
As for the rumour mill, adding quality wingers will be important with both Ali Ahmed and Jayden Nelson having left the club. Perhaps the most exciting possible signing would be Maxloren Castro, an 18-year-old Peruvian winger currently plying his trade at Sporting Cristal. An exceptional crosser of the ball, Castro’s style of play would not be a direct comparison to that of Ahmed or Nelson, but the talent is undeniable. The Whitecaps will have to compete with some European interest to land his signature, but if they can do so, Castro and his fellow Peruvian Kenji Cabrera will give the Caps some incredibly gifted young talents to watch on the wings.
As well as Castro, the Whitecaps are said to be a potential suitor for Algerian winger Billal Brahimi, who is nearing a contract termination with legendary Brazilian club Santos. Although Brahimi’s numbers in Brazil, and in France before, failed to impress, his underlying numbers from his time with Belgium’s St. Truiden were excellent, lending some hope that a move to Canada could get the best out of the 25-year-old. While Castro would undoubtedly be the better signing, Brahimi would also offer value to Vancouver.
Initially, it seemed as though the Whitecaps would be taking a swing at Dundee United left back Will Ferry, who the club reportedly had previously shown interest in. However, those initial reports appear to have been shot down, and Ferry looks likely to remain with the Tangerines. It is, however, worth noting that the Caps could still look to bring in a left back in the near future. With Sam Adekugbe recovering from a torn Achilles and Tate Johnson still just 20 years of age, reinforcements could be in order for Vancouver.
Finally, while the Whitecaps appear to be set at centre back, the rumour mill does show that they have some interest in Raków Częstochowa defender Stratos Svarnas. With Tristan Blackmon set to stay, Ranko Veselinovic due to return from injury during the season, Ralph Priso likely moving to centre back, and Mathias Laborda and Sebastian Schonlau already on the roster, this does seem like a bit of a strange move. However, with the number of injuries the Whitecaps faced at this position last season, it makes sense that Axel Schuster would at least take a look at some options to continue reinforcing the position.
The most interesting rumour out of the Whitecaps organization this offseason, however, has not been the rumour of an incoming signing, but the rumours that took MLS fans by storm a few weeks ago, when Tristan Blackmon was linked to a shock move to defending champions Inter Miami. With the Herons having an incredibly aggressive offseason following their triumph over the Caps, it didn’t seem far-fetched that they could make a push for the Whitecaps and USMNT defender. However, these rumours appear to be officially put to bed, with Blackmon having reported to Marbella for the preseason and Axel Schuster confirming that the reigning MLS defender of the year won’t be making the move to Florida.
Finally, recent signing Joedrick Pupe looks set to return to his native Belgium on loan, with KV Kortrijk securing him for the season with a purchase option. Pupe was a promising signing, but after injuries kept him stuck on the bench for most of his time with the Caps, a fresh start back home could be what’s best for the 28-year-old.
Hopefully, some signings are completed soon and can begin to train with the team before long. This is going to be a big year for Vancouver, and they’ll need everyone firing on all cylinders as soon as they can get it. If the new signings are to be expected to hit the ground running, completing their business as soon as possible will be important for the Whitecaps to maximize their chances of following up on last year’s success.
