Vancouver Whitecaps bid farewell to four players as Takaoka’s status remains unsettled
In a move characteristic of a club wrapping up its offseason agenda, the Vancouver Whitecaps released a slate of contract updates shortly after their season concluded. Coming off an MLS Cup Final appearance, the team outlined who will not return next year, with forward Daniel Ríos among the notable departures after the club declined his purchase option. The 30-year-old Mexican striker, on loan from Guadalajara in Liga MX, appeared in 31 regular-season matches in 2025 and tallied three goals. He also featured in two postseason contests, scoring in the playoff win over FC Dallas on October 26.
Alongside Ríos, Vancouver declined options on goalkeeper Max Anchor, defender Mark O’Neill, and forward Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau.
“We are grateful to Max, Mark, Nicolas, and Daniel for their time with the club, and we wish them all the best in their future endeavors,” commented Axel Schuster, Whitecaps CEO and sporting director.
Belal Halbouni’s option was not exercised either, though Vancouver indicated that ongoing discussions with the Ontario-born centre back remain active.
The core of the team remains under contract for 2026, though one key figure stands apart: Yohei Takaoka. The Whitecaps described their talks with the Japanese goalkeeper as ongoing. Takaoka started all 34 MLS regular-season games for Vancouver and led the league with 13 shutouts.
With 26 players under contract for 2026 after exercising seven options, the Whitecaps’ roster includes four central pieces—Thomas Müller, Sebastian Berhalter, Ali Ahmed, and Mathías Laborda—who were retained as core members.
Other players on option decisions include goalkeeper Adrían Zendejas and central midfielders J.C. Ngando and Ralph Priso, whose options were picked up.
The club president outlined the broader plan: a gradual build over several seasons has brought them to a strong foundation, and even as last season’s record-breaking run concluded, preparations for 2026 are already well underway. January will mark the start of preseason and full roster planning.
Projected 2026 first-team under contract
Goalkeepers (2): Isaac Boehmer, Adrían Zendejas
Defenders (9): Sam Adekugbe, Giuseppe Bovalina, Tristan Blackmon, Tate Johnson, Mathías Laborda, Édier Ocampo, Joedrick Pupe, Sebastian Schonlau, Ranko Veselinović
Midfielders (6): Jeevan Badwal, Sebastian Berhalter, Andrés Cubas, Liam Mackenzie, J.C. Ngando, Ralph Priso
Forwards (9): Ali Ahmed, Kenji Cabrera, Rayan Elloumi, Ryan Gauld, Thomas Müller, Jayden Nelson, Nelson Pierre, Emmanuel Sabbi, Brian White
Would you like a quick snapshot of what each returning player brings to the squad and where new additions could fit in this system?
