With training camp well underway, Vancouver Whitecaps FC added another figure to the puzzle in Ghanaian midfielder Leonard Owusu, who arrives from Israeli Premier League side FC Ashdod through the use of Targeted Allocation Money.
"Leonard is focused on improving and moving forward in his career step-by-step," said Whitecaps sporting director Axel Schuster. "He is from a very good academy in Ghana, performed well playing aboard in Israel, and now is the right time for him to take on a new challenge in Vancouver. His characteristics - strong, powerful, (and) dynamic - fit the profile we look for in his position. We are looking forward to having Leonard join our group."
Leonard Owusu
"Leonard is a player with a lot of potential," added Whitecaps manger Marc Dos Santos. "He was an important player at Dreams FC, in Ghana, before going to Israel. We believe that he has the tools to succeed in this league."
"I'm very excited to join Whitecaps FC, it's a great honour for me to wear the Blue and White, and become part of the family," said Owusu. "I would like to thank Mr. Schuster and Mr. Dos Santos for their efforts, and I can't wait to repay their faith in me with my play on the pitch."
Owusu, 22, is most comfortable in the centre of the park, but has been deployed both as an attacking, and holding midfielder, at different times in the past. At his age, he may well develop into a box-to-box midfielder, though the jury's still out on that.
He initially joined FC Adhdod in July 2018 on a year-long loan, before making the move permanent in July for $171,000 USD. We don't know how much the 'Caps paid for his services, but if Transfermarkt.com is any indication, his value in December was set at $570,000 USD.
Owusu, 22, arrives in Vancouver after featuring for FC Ashdod since July 2018, initially on a year-long loan from Ghanian club Dreams FC, before joining the Israeli Premier League club on a permanent transfer. He made 46 league appearances for Ashdod, as well as an additional 13 matches in Israel State Cup and Toto Cup competition.
Owusu agreed to a contract through 2022, with an option for 2023, and will occupy an international roster spot.