VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Wednesday that the club has reached an agreement to transfer Homegrown midfielder Kianz Froese to German side Fortuna Düsseldorf - pending receipt of his international transfer certificate. As part of the transfer, Whitecaps FC will receive a match played bonus and percentage of any future transfer fees.
"We thank Kianz for his contributions to the club and wish him all the best with Fortuna Düsseldorf," said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. "This is a good opportunity for Kianz to continue his development both on and off the pitch. This move will also open a pathway for our young midfield players who are ready to compete for minutes."
Froese, 20, joined the Whitecaps FC Residency program in September 2011 and was signed to Vancouver's MLS roster as a Homegrown player in September 2014.
The 5-foot-9 midfielder made two starts in 15 appearances in just over two MLS seasons for Whitecaps FC. The Havana, Cuba native also started each of his four Amway Canadian Championship matches, tallying one assist. In addition, he scored one goal in five CONCACAF Champions League appearances, making one start. In two seasons of USL play, Froese recorded four goals and one assist, while starting 21 of his 22 appearances for Whitecaps FC 2, including playoffs.
A resident of Brunkild, Manitoba, Froese has two senior international appearances for Canada.
Fortuna Düsseldorf compete in the 2. Bundesliga, the second tier of professional football in Germany.
TRANSACTION: Vancouver Whitecaps FC transfer midfielder Kianz Froese to German side Fortuna Düsseldorf on February 1, 2017.
