Whitecaps sign Chilean-Canadian
Left back Gutierrez joins MLS club on free transfer from Primera Division’s Colo-Colo squad
A Chile signing has heated up the Vancouver Whitecaps’ transfer activity.
The Major League Soccer club has secured the services of Chilean-Canadian left back Cristian Gutierrez on a free transfer from Chilean Primera Division club Colo-Colo.
The 22-year-old, who was born to Chilean parents in Greenfield Park, Que. but moved to Santiago, Chile, at the age of three, has represented the South American country at the U-20 levels, but remains eligible to play for Canada.
He has signed a one-year deal with options for 2022 and 2023, pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC), medical and work permit.
“Cristian was looking for a new opportunity and we are excited to bring him to Vancouver,” Whitecaps sporting director Axel Schuster said in a news release.
“He has the four cornerstones we look for in a player, he is fully aware of the challenge in front of him and he is excited to continue his development in his native country.”
Gutierrez had been linked with a move to Valour FC after being released by Colo-Colo in December, as his twin brother Diego plays midfield for the Canadian Premier League side, but the 5-foot-11 defender will end up on the West Coast.
Cristian Gutierrez came up though Colo-Colo’s youth ranks, getting his first professional start in 2015.
He played five seasons in the Chilean Primera Division, including stops with Union Espanola and Huachipato, playing 52 league matches and 26 in the Copa Chile. He also made four starts for La Rojita in the 2017 CONMEBOL Sudamericano U-20.
“Cristian is a young left back who has some experience playing in Chile at the highest level,” Whitecaps head coach Marc Dos Santos said in a news release.
“We believe that Cristian will continue to grow and develop at our club. We are very happy to add him to our roster.”
Gutierrez will slot in behind Ali Adnan on the left, replacing the departed Brett Levis and Victor (PC) Giro.
Players will report to the Whitecaps this weekend, with pre-season training expected to start next week.
The transfer window for most major European countries closes Jan. 31 — Portugal’s closes on Feb. 2 — while any intra-MLS trades must be completed in the MLS trade window (Feb. 13-May 7).
The Caps have until Feb. 28 to be roster compliant, the day before their home- and season-opener against Sporting Kansas City at B.C. Place Stadium.