VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Monday that the club has signed Canadian international defender David Edgar to an 18-month contract with an option – pending receipt of his international transfer certificate.
David Edgar – Whitecaps FC defender
- 211 appearances, scoring nine goals, in England’s top divisions
- 37 senior international caps for Canada, including the 2013 and 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cups, and has served as an alternate captain
- Member of Canada’s national teams that qualified for the 2003 and 2005 FIFA World Youth Championships, as well as the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup
“We are thrilled to add David to the group,” said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. “He is a good size, a natural organizer, and brings a wealth of playing experience at very good levels in England from a young age.”
Edgar, 29, returns to his homeland after playing his entire club career in Great Britain.
“I'm delighted to sign for Whitecaps FC and especially to be back in Canada,” Edgar said. “After all my years in England, it has always been in my plans to come and be a part of MLS. I'm very excited for this next step in my career and to be a part of a fantastic organization like Whitecaps FC. I already feel at home at BC Place being part of the Canadian national team and the recent World Cup qualifiers here. Hopefully there are many more exciting times ahead for the fans and for this team. I can't wait to get started.”
The native of Kitchener, Ontario left his childhood home in 2001, at the age of 14, to join the Newcastle United Academy. The 6-foot-4, 190-pound defender began his professional career with the English Premier League side, opening his account with a goal against Manchester United in his first home start on New Year’s Day 2007 (see highlight below). Edgar would go on to make a total of 23 appearances during his three seasons with the first team.
Following eight years with the Magpies, the centre back joined Burnley FC in July of 2009. Over the next five seasons with the Clarets, Edgar would score four goals in 114 appearances. During his first season in Burnley, Edgar enjoyed a brief loan stint with Swansea City AFC, which included five starts.
The versatile defender was acquired by Birmingham City FC in 2014 and made 16 appearances before being loaned for the reminder of the season to fellow Championship side Huddersfield Town, where he made 12 appearances. This past season, Edgar played 38 matches while on loan to Sheffield United FC.
On the international stage, Edgar has started 34 of his 37 appearances with the Canadian senior men’s national team, scoring three goals. He captained the team during his two most recent appearances, including a 2-1 win over Uzbekistan on June 7 in which he scored a goal. Edgar has also represented Canada at the youth levels including the 2003 and 2005 FIFA World Youth Championships, as well as the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup hosted by Canada.
Edgar, a free agent, joins Whitecaps FC after training with them last month during their recent road trip in Toronto, Ontario.
David Edgar
Position: Defender
Height: 6-04
Weight: 190 pounds
Date of Birth: May 19, 1987 in Kitchener, Ontario
Hometown: Kitchener, Ontario
Citizenship: Canada
Status: Domestic
Previous Club: Birmingham City FC (English Championship: '14 - '16)
How Acquired: Acquired as a free agent on Monday, July 11, 2016
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