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Whitecaps Finalize Backline Additions: Schonlau Available This Weekend, Pupe to Follow

Vancouver responds to season-ending defensive injuries with swift roster changes.

St. Louis City's João Klauss, left, and Vancouver Whitecaps' Ralph Priso (13) challenge for the ball during the second half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, April 19, 2025, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
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Jul 26, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Whitecaps FC defender Bjorn Inge Utvik (15) passes the ball during the first half against the Sporting Kansas City at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-Imagn Images/File Photo

Overview

  • Vancouver announced the arrivals of centre backs Sebastian Schonlau from Hamburger SV and Joedrick Pupe from F.C.V. Dender, signing them through 2026 (option 2027) and 2027 (option 2028) respectively.
  • Head coach Jesper Sorensen said Schonlau trained with the team and is available for Saturday’s match against St. Louis City SC, while Pupe has not yet arrived and remains unavailable.
  • The club transferred Bjørn Inge Utvik back to Sarpsborg 08 in Norway; local reporting cited a fee of about $250,000 for the move.
  • The defensive reinforcements follow season-ending injuries to Ranko Veselinović (ACL) and Sam Adekugbe (Achilles), which thinned Vancouver’s back line.
  • The Whitecaps noted routine medical, visa, work permit and international transfer certificate processes for the new signings, with integration prioritized as the team targets a strong playoff run.