VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Friday that the club has loaned centre back Jasser Khmiri to San Antonio FC through the end of the 2021 USL Championship season.
“This is an important year for Jasser to earn regular minutes and continue his development as a player,” said Marc Dos Santos, Whitecaps FC head coach. “Based on our evaluation of our roster and San Antonio's interest in having him on loan, we feel that it is a great opportunity for Jasser to show his qualities.”
Khmiri, 23, started each of the 'Caps first five matches in 2020 before being sidelined due to a left knee injury midseason. After completing his recovery, he made his debut for the Tunisian senior men’s national team last October.
The USL Championship has announced a flexible start date for the 2021 regular season, beginning play between April 24 and May 15. San Antonio FC, who finished third in the Western Conference last season, will play a 32-game slate through the end of October with playoffs scheduled for November. San Antonio is coached by former ‘Caps striker and Surrey, BC native Alen Marcina.
With the move, the ‘Caps have five centre backs on their first team roster in Derek Cornelius, Gianfranco Facchineri, Erik Godoy, Andy Rose, and Ranko Veselinovic.
While on loan, Khmiri will not occupy an international roster spot on Vancouver’s roster. Whitecaps FC currently hold 11 international slots through 2021 and have 11 international players on the roster.
TRANSACTION: On March 26, 2021 Whitecaps FC loan Jasser Khmiri to San Antonio FC through the end of the 2021 USL Championship season.
