VANCOUVER, BC- Vancouver Whitecaps FC continued to add to their attack on Monday, acquiring winger David Milinković on a one-year loan, with an option to purchase, from English Championship side Hull City – pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
The 25-year old French native with Serbian roots, who has close to 100 professional appearances in Europe, has joined the ‘Caps preseason camp in Southern California.
Whitecaps FC kick off the 2020 MLS season on Saturday, February 29 when they host Sporting Kansas City at BC Place. For more information on all ticket options, including single match tickets, premium services, 5-packs, groups, and youth tickets, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
“Marc and I are very familiar with David, especially from his time with Hearts in Scotland during the 2017-18 season where he was a key contributor in the final third,” said Whitecaps FC sporting director Axel Schuster. “Although his most recent spell at Hull City has not worked out exactly the way he had hoped, David is excited about this new opportunity. He fits our profile and will bring additional experience to our group. We are happy to welcome David to our club and city.”
Milinković is the fourth attacking player the ‘Caps have acquired in the last two months, following Designated Player striker Lucas Cavallini, Colombian winger Cristian Dájome, and Generation adidas winger/attacking midfielder Ryan Raposo.
Whitecaps FC winger David Milinković
- 15 goals in 60 starts and 96 professional appearances in Italy, Scotland, and England
- Arrives in Vancouver on one-year loan from English Championship club Hull City
- Recorded six goals and team-high five assists in 15 starts and 24 league appearances for Hearts, while finishing top 10 in the Scottish Premiership in key passes per 90 minutes in 2017-18
- Began his professional career in Italy, playing three seasons in the Serie B and Serie C
“The opportunity to bring in a player with the quality of David, that worked within our current roster, was an opportunity that we could not just let go,” added Whitecaps FC head coach Marc Dos Santos. “David is a player with an incredible work ethic, he is committed to the team, and is very hungry to return to the form he showed at Hearts.”
Milinković arrives in Vancouver with 15 goals in 60 starts and 96 professional appearances across all competitions in Italy, Scotland, and most recently England with Hull City since July 2018. Prior to his transfer to Hull City, Milinković was a member of Italian Serie A club Genoa CF and had stints with Italian sides Virtus Lanciano, Foggia, ACR Messina, as well as Scottish Premiership club Heart of Midlothian FC.
“I am very happy to join Vancouver Whitecaps FC,” said Milinković. "I’ve had positive conversations with coach Dos Santos and sporting director Mr. Schuster, and I’ve also watched many games from last year. This is a very good opportunity to come to this club and I look forward to start training with the team as we prepare for our season opener in just over a month. I am going to work very hard for our club and our fans.”
During the 2017-18 season with Hearts, Milinković led his side with five assists while scoring six goals in 15 starts and 24 appearances in Premiership competition. The 5-foot-11 winger landed in the top 10 in the entire Premiership with 2.02 key passes per 90 minutes.
Born in Antibes, France and having started with the AS Cannes youth system, Milinković and his family moved to Belgrade, Serbia as a teenager. He would continue his development at the youth level with Red Star Belgrade, then moved up to the professional ranks across the city with FK Rad and FK BASK before moving to Italy in 2015.
TRANSACTION: On January 27, 2020, Whitecaps FC acquired David Milinković on a one-year loan, with an option to purchase, from English Championship side Hull City.
David Milinković
Pronunciation: dah-veed mil-in-CO-VICH
Position: Winger
Height: 5-10
Weight: 175 pounds
Date of Birth: May 20, 1994 in Antibes, France
Hometown: Antibes, France
Citizenship: France, Serbia
Status: International
Parent Club: Hull City (English Championship ‘18-’20)
