Bjørn Inge Utvik

An aggressive presence in the air, Utvik joined Whitecaps FC in January 2024 after spending the last six seasons in his native Norway playing for Sarpsborg 08 FF.

The experienced centre back agreed to a contract through 2025, with an option for 2026.

WHITECAPS FC

'24: Utvik started 27 of his 33 appearances across all competitions in his first season with the Blue and White. The Norwegian made his debut for the club as a substitute in the second leg of the first round of the Concacaf Champions Cup against Tigres UANL on February 14. He then made his first start for the ‘Caps in the 4-0 rout over Toronto FC on April 6. During the summer, Utvik started 12 consecutive matches across all competitions, helping the ‘Caps keep three clean sheets in that span. The centre back also added an assist during the TELUS Canadian Championship campaign, and scored the winner in the shootout to secure the Voyageurs Cup.

SARPSBORG 08 FF

'18-'23: Utvik spent six seasons playing in his native Norway for Sarpsborg 08 FF, starting 128 of his 136 appearances in Eliteserien, NM Cup, and Europa League competition. The defender, who’s captained the side in his last two seasons, recorded eight goals and six assists during his time with the club. In his final season with the club in 2023, Utvik started 30 of his 31 appearances across all competitions for Sarpsborg, adding four goals and two assists as the side finished eighth in the Eliteserien table.

SOGNDAL IL

'13-'17: Prior to joining Sarpsborg, Utvik played five seasons for fellow Norwegian outfit Sogndal IL. The defender made 78 starts and 103 appearances for the side, scoring six goals and supplying seven assists.

FK HAUGESUND

'11-'12: Utvik originally started his career in the youth academy of FK Haugesund and went on to sign with the first team ahead of the 2012 season. His only appearance for the club was his professional debut against his hometown side Avaldsnes IL during the first round of the 2012 NM-Cup, starting at centre back as Haugesund captured a 7-1 victory.

INTERNATIONAL

In his youth, Utvik represented Norway from the U-15 to U-21 levels, making 38 appearances.