The Vancouver Whitecaps announced on Friday that they had made a move trading for DC United wingback Julian Gressel. Steven Goff, a soccer writer for the Washington Post in DC, broke the news early Friday morning before Gressel chimed in himself.
In exchange for the talented wingback, DC United will receive 900k total in General Allocation Money that will be spread across the next 3 years. $400, 000 in 2022, $200, 000 in 2023, and a conditional $300, 000 in 2024 if Gressel appears in 3 matches with the Whitecaps between the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
The 28-year-old has spent his last 2 seasons with DC United making 22 appearances in 2020 and 34 in 2021 and adding 2 goals in both seasons. Gressel was also 3rd in the league in 2021 with 13 assists which is perfect for a Vancouver team that has lacked that final ball at times this year. So far this year with a struggling DC United Gressel has tallied 4 assists in 17 appearances. He has been one of the most dynamic playmakers since coming into the MLS with 58 regular season assists since 2017.
Vancouver had some fun with the situation by showing CEO and Sporting Director Axel Schuster and some nice German Sausages. He spoke about the signing of Gressel, “We are always looking for opportunities to take our team to the next level and Julian is the perfect fit. He has been on our radar for a long time, and we are very happy we got this deal done.”
“Over the past five plus years in the league, Julian has proven to be one of the best players in MLS, regardless of position, and is a league leader in assists. His ability to cross the ball and to set up his teammates in good positions will add additional quality to our group. Not only this, but Julian plays with great intensity and brings the versatility to play as a midfielder, where he helped Atlanta win an MLS Cup. Overall, he is a fantastic player, and we are thrilled to welcome him and his family to Vancouver.” Axel would go on to say.
This is a position of need for the Whitecaps, not necessarily another wingback, but someone who can provide that quality service at Lucas Cavallini and Brian White have lacked at times this season. If he can provide the assists at a rate he has in the last season it could be the difference between Vancouver making or missing the playoffs.
Sports Talk Line And The Vancouver Whitecaps Singing Julian Gressel
It’s doubtful if Julian Gressel could be ready by Sunday night for the Vancouver Whitecaps’ next match against the Portland Timbers. He is also coming off an injury so he might just come in and join the long list of walking wounded. With or without Gressel the Caps will look to stay in the MLS Western Conference playoff pack after a big 1-1 draw against Cincinnati FC.
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