Whitecaps sign Venezuela's Sergio Córdova as new Designated Player striker
The Vancouver Whitecaps announced Monday the club has signed striker Sergio Córdova from German Bundesliga side FC Augsburg, bringing the Venezuelan international on to a three-year Designated Player contract through 2025, with a club option for 2026.
Last on loan with Real Salt Lake where he scored 11 goals and recorded two assists in 34 appearances, Córdova joins the Whitecaps front-line and steps in where Canadian international Lucas Cavallini – now at Club Tijuana in Liga MX – left off.
The Whitecaps received the right of first refusal for Córdova from Real Salt Lake in exchange for their natural first round pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft and up to $300,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM): $100,000 in 2023 GAM and $100,000 in 2024 GAM guaranteed, as well as $100,000 in 2025 GAM if Córdova starts at least five regular season matches prior to December 31, 2024.
Our new no 9 & DP, La Pantera 🔥#VWFC | @scordova22 pic.twitter.com/pypHJgiKoH
— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) February 20, 2023
"I'm very happy to come to Whitecaps FC," Córdova said. "I am excited, motivated and 100 per cent convinced that this year we will achieve great things. I will do my best for this family. See you soon."
Córdova has made 16 international appearances for Venezuela since earning his first cap in 2017 and boasts the record of being the youngest player in Venezuela Primera División history to score a brace, notching his double at 18 years, 2 months and 22 days old with Caracas FC.
The 25-year-old has amassed 173 appearances at club level, scoring 24 goals and recording six assists in his career so far.
"Sergio is a player who impressed us during his first year in MLS with Real Salt Lake and arrives in Vancouver as he enters his prime," said Whitecaps sporting director Axel Schuster. "He fits the profile of a striker we want to have amongst our group. He is a proven goalscorer in our league, brings size and strength, as well as tenacity in the final third. We’re excited to welcome Sergio to Vancouver and our club."
