VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Monday that the club has transferred forward Theo Bair to Scottish Premiership side St Johnstone FC. As part of the transaction, Whitecaps FC will retain a percentage of the fee if Bair is transferred to another club.
“This is a good move for Theo to continue to evolve at this stage of his career. After he made strides forward last year in Norway's second division, this transfer will provide him the best opportunity to progress by playing meaningful minutes at Scotland's highest level,” said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director. “We will follow Theo closely because the door is always open for a return to the Whitecaps in the future.”
The Ottawa, Ontario native originally joined the Whitecaps FC Residency program in 2015. After three seasons in the BMO MLS Academy, Bair signed a multi-year MLS Homegrown pre-contract in July 2018 beginning in 2019.
Bair, 22, made 39 first team appearances across all competitions for the club over three seasons, recording three goals, as well as two assists.
“Thank you, Vancouver. After seven years, it’s time to part ways with the club that means so much to me and my family. From entering the academy as a young boy from Ottawa to playing at BC Place in front of all the amazing fans, thank you,” added Bair. “This was a very difficult decision to make but one that lets me explore my dream even further. I am thankful to my teammates, the academy, all the staff and fans who supported me through it all. Without the city of Vancouver, I wouldn’t be the man I am today. Vancouver will always be my home and no matter where football takes me, I will always be a Whitecap. Thank you all for everything and I am excited for my next step. See you soon.”
Bair spent the majority of the 2021 season on loan with Norwegian second division side Hamarkameratene, where he tallied four goals across 18 appearances as he helped the side win the league and promotion to the first division.
TRANSACTION: On January 31, 2022, Whitecaps FC transfer Theo Bair to Scottish Premiership side St Johnstone FC.
