VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Tuesday that the club has acquired 19-year-old Australian wingback Giuseppe Bovalina via transfer from A-League side Adelaide United FC. Bovalina agreed to a contract through 2026, with club options for 2027 and 2028, pending receipt of his international transfer certificate and medical. Bovalina will arrive in Vancouver this weekend.
"We are pleased to welcome Giuseppe to Vancouver,” said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director. “At 19, he has already been a consistent starter for his team, and we have tracked him as one of the top players in his position in the A-League. He brings qualities at both ends of the pitch and we are happy that we were able to convince him that we are the right club with our plan and pathway. We’re looking forward to helping him develop his qualities to the next level.”
Whitecaps FC wingback Giuseppe Bovalina
- Started 18 of his 23 appearances across all competitions for Adelaide United FC, scoring once and adding two assists
- 17 key passes, 26 interceptions, and 80.7% passing accuracy in 2023/24 A-League
- 2023 Southern Australian RAA NPL Champion with Adelaide United FC’s youth academy
- Has represented Australia at the U-23 level
"I’m grateful for the opportunity that is being given to me and I can’t wait to arrive," added Bovalina. "I will work hard and give my all for Vancouver. I am also excited to get started and play in such an amazing stadium and fan base."
Bovalina originally came through Adelaide United’s youth academy, signing his first professional contract last September after making his first team debut in Adelaide’s Australia Cup clash against Northcote City on August 14, 2023. The youngster started 18 of his 23 appearances across all competitions for his hometown club, tallying a goal and adding two assists.
During his time in the academy, Bovalina made 51 appearances and added 10 goals in the Southern Australian RAA National Premier Leagues division across three seasons. Five of the wingback’s goals came during the 2023 season, as the team were crowned champions of the division for the first time after a 7-2 victory over Modbury Jets in the final.
At the international level, Bovalina has made one appearance for Australia’s U-23 side, starting the Olyroos’ penalty shootout win over Egypt in the semifinal of the West Asian Football Federation U-23 Championship back in March.
Bovalina becomes the third Australian-born player to join Vancouver, along with defender Andy Rose and forward Bernie Ibini.
TRANSACTION: On April 23, 2024, Whitecaps FC acquire wingback Giuseppe Bovalina from Adelaide United FC and agree to a contract through 2026, with club options for 2027 and 2028.
Giuseppe Bovalina
Pronunciation: bo-VA-lee-NA
Position: Wingback
Height: 5-08
Weight: 155 pounds
Date of Birth: November 11, 2004, in Adelaide, Austrailia
Hometown: Adelaide, Australia
Citizenship: Australia
Status: International
Previous Clubs: Adelaide United FC (2023-24)
Youth Clubs: Western Strikers, Croydon Kings, Adelaide United FC Academy
Instagram: @iamgiuseppebovalina
FIFTY TOGETHER
Celebrate the club’s 50th anniversary, presented by BMO, Chevrolet, and MNP, all season long. Following this weekend, the next home match at BC Place will be the club’s 50th Anniversary match on May 4, nearly 50 years to the day of the first match on May 5, 1974. Learn more about the club’s storied history at whitecapsfc50.com.
