VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Wednesday that the club has acquired striker Fredy Montero as a Designated Player on a one-year loan from Chinese Super League club Tianjin Teda. Whitecaps FC acquired Montero via the Major League Soccer Allocation Process after the club secured the #1 spot in the Allocation Ranking Order from Minnesota United FC in exchange for $100,000 in General Allocation Money in 2018, $125,000 in Targeted Allocation Money in 2018, and an international roster spot through 2017.
Montero will officially join the club's roster pending receipt of his international transfer certificate, Canadian work permit and visa.
Whitecaps FC striker Fredy Montero
- Scored 37 goals and added 12 assists in 94 appearances, which include UEFA Champions League and Europa League matches, with Portugal's Primeira Liga side Sporting Clube de Portugal
- Helped Sporting CP win the 2014-15 Taca de Portugal (Cup of Portugal) and the 2015 Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira (Portuguese Super Cup)
- Seattle Sounders FC all-time leading scorer with 60 goals and 42 assists in 160 matches including MLS, U.S. Open Cup, and CONCACAF Champions League
- Three-time MLS All-Star (2009, 2010, 2012) and 2009 MLS Newcomer of the Year
"It's a great signing for us and we're delighted to welcome Fredy to our club," said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. "We have worked diligently throughout the offseason to strengthen the forward areas and today we have managed to add a very good striker in Fredy. He has proven throughout his career to be an elite attacking player and consistent goalscorer, and he is already familiar with the league and environment. We look forward to seeing him on the pitch wearing the Blue and White."
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Montero, 29, returns to MLS after scoring 47 goals and recording 34 assists in 119 regular season appearances from 2009 to 2012 with Seattle Sounders FC.
The Colombian remains the all-time leading goalscorer in Sounders FC franchise history, scoring a total of 60 goals in all competitions. Included in that tally are seven goals and two assists while helping Seattle win three U.S. Open Cup titles, as well as six goals and four assists in the CONCACAF Champions League. During his previous time in MLS, Montero was a three-time All-Star and the 2009 Newcomer of the Year.
'I'm really excited, so happy, and feel blessed," added Montero. "I was looking forward to once again playing in Major League Soccer and I am so thankful to Whitecaps FC for giving me this opportunity. I can't wait to step onto the field, in front of the great Vancouver supporters, and start scoring goals."
In 2013, the South American attacking talent went on loan from Seattle to Colombian Primera A side Millonarios FC, scoring 10 goals in 27 appearances.
Following that season, the 5-foot-9 striker moved on loan to Portuguese Primeira Liga giants Sporting Clube de Portugal. After scoring 13 goals in 29 appearances during his first year, Montero was transferred to Sporting CP. His time in Portugal featured a total of 37 goals and 12 assists in all competitions, including five UEFA Champions League appearances and three goals and four assists in seven Europa League appearances. Montero also helped Sporting CP win the 2014-15 Taca de Portugal, by equalizing the match in added time, as the Leões would go on to win in a shootout.
Most recently, Montero played for Chinese Super League club Tianjin Teda during the 2016 season, scoring nine goals and recording three assists in 29 league appearances.
A native of Barranquilla, Colombia, Montero began his professional career in 2005 with Deportivo Cali in his home country. Among his 22 total goals for Cali, 16 came in 22 matches during the 2008 season when he led the top tier in scoring. He also led the league in scoring with 13 goals in 18 appearances during the 2006 season while on loan at Atlético Huila.
At the international level, Montero has made four appearances for the Colombian national team.
The 2017 season kicks off with the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal series against New York Red Bulls. The first leg is set for Wednesday, February 22, at Red Bull Arena, and the return leg will take place on Thursday, March 2, at BC Place. MLS regular season action starts on Sunday, March 5, when Whitecaps FC host Philadelphia Union at BC Place.
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Fredy Montero
Position: Striker
Height: 5-09
Weight: 160 pounds
Date of Birth: July 26, 1987 in Campo de la Cruz, Colombia
Hometown: Barranquilla, Colombia
Citizenship: Colombia
Status: Domestic (United States Green Card)
Previous Club: Tianjin Teda (Chinese Super League 2016)
Transaction: Whitecaps FC trade $100,000 General Allocation Money in 2018, $125,000 in Targeted Allocation Money in 2018, and an international roster spot through 2017 to Minnesota United FC in exchange for the top spot in the MLS Allocation Ranking Order. Fredy Montero acquired as a Designated Player, using the top spot in the Allocation Ranking Order, on a one-year loan from Chinese Super League club Tianjin Teda on February 15, 2017.
