By Elke Porter | WBN News Vancouver | December 18, 2025
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As the Vancouver Whitecaps FC reflect on a historic 2025 season—reaching their first MLS Cup final, winning a fourth consecutive Canadian Championship, and setting a club-record 63 points—the offseason brings a mix of exciting reinforcements, key retentions, and necessary farewells.

The club has added five promising players to inject youth and depth, while securing the future of star goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka and exercising the option on legendary attacker Thomas Müller, who will become a Designated Player in 2026.

With departures clearing roster space and resources, the 'Caps are poised for another strong push in the Western Conference. Preseason begins in January, leading into the February 21, 2026, opener against Real Salt Lake, as Vancouver aims to go one step further and claim silverware under head coach Jesper Sørensen and sporting director Axel Schuster.

The blockbuster news is the retention of Thomas Müller, the 36-year-old German icon who joined mid-2025 from Bayern Munich. After an immediate impact with nine goals and four assists in limited appearances, helping propel the team to the MLS Cup final, the Whitecaps triggered his contract option, elevating him to Designated Player status for 2026 with a reported $6-6.8 million salary.

Müller's leadership, spatial intelligence, and winning mentality—honed over 33 trophies, including a World Cup—make him the centrepiece of Vancouver's ambitions, especially with the city hosting 2026 FIFA World Cup matches.

Complementing Müller are five new additions focused on the future. Homegrown defender Mihail Gherasimencov, 20, signed his first MLS deal after shining on loan with Cavalry FC. Nikola Djordjevic was promoted from Whitecaps FC 2, adding defensive versatility. The 2026 MLS SuperDraft brought midfielder Zach Ramsey (University of Washington, 17th overall), forward Daniel Lugo (High Point University, 29th overall), and winger Yeider Zuluaga (Seattle University, 59th overall). This blend of academy products and collegiate talent promises competition and growth.

Stability in goal comes with the re-signing of Yohei Takaoka, the 2025 MLS All-Star and Goalkeeper of the Year finalist, who posted 13 clean sheets. His new deal through mid-2027 anchors the backline.

On the exit front, the club traded winger Jayden Nelson to Austin FC for allocation money and declined options on several players, including defender Belal Halbouni and goalkeeper Max Anchor, to manage the salary cap and fund further moves.February 2026 will see the squad assemble for preseason camp, integrating the newcomers and refining tactics around Müller and the core group. With momentum from 2025's near-miss and a revamped roster, the Whitecaps are primed for a title challenge in a wide-open league.

Elke Porter at:
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TAGS: #Whitecaps FC #MLS 2026 #Thomas Muller #New Signings #Vancouver Whitecaps #Takaoka Stays #WBN News Vancouver #Elke Porter

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