TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signed
The Vancouver Whitecaps continued their flurry of moves on Tuesday, announcing the signing of Ghanaian midfielder Leonard Owusu. He was acquired from Israeli Premier League side FC Ashdod with the use of Targeted Allocation Money.
Owusu agreed to an MLS contract through 2022, with an option for 2023 and will occupy an international roster spot. He will join the team pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC), medical, work permit and visa.
“Leonard is focused on improving and moving forward in his career step-by-step,” said Whitecaps FC sporting director Axel Schuster in a statement. “He is from a very good academy in Ghana, performed well playing abroad in Israel, and now is the right time for him to take on a new challenge in Vancouver. His characteristics - strong, powerful, dynamic - fit the profile we look for in his position. We are looking forward to having Leonard join our group.”
Owusu, 22, arrives in Vancouver after featuring for FC Ashdod since July 2018, initially on a year-long loan from Ghanian club Dreams FC, before joining the Israeli Premier League club on a permanent transfer. He made 46 league appearances for Ashdod, as well as an additional 13 matches in Israel State Cup and Toto Cup competition.
Leonard Owusu Highlights
The 5-foot-11 midfielder began his professional career in 2015 with Dreams FC in his hometown of Accra, and twice led his club to a promotion to the Ghana Premier League. In 2018, he was named the most valuable player in the Ghana League Clubs Association G8 Tournament, as he captained Dreams FC to the championship, and scored the winner in the final. In his final season with the club, he tallied five goals and five assists in 10 matches, leading to a loan with Israeli top-flight club Ashdod.
Owusu will likely slot into central midfield alongside Inbeom Hwang, as the 'Caps continue building their roster for 2020. The club announced the signings of left back Cristian Gutierrez and winger Cristian Dajome last week.
