Whitecaps nab Fredy Montero on loan from Tianjin Teda
The Vancouver Whitecaps have added some punch in attack, signing Colombian forward Fredy Montero as a Designated Player on a one-year loan from Chinese Super League club Tianjin Teda.
Whitecaps finalised the move Wednesday with a statement on their website, adding that Montero, 29, returns to the MLS after the club acquired the No. 1 Allocation Ranking spot from Minnesota United FC. Going the other way was $100,000 in General Allocation Money in 2018, $125,000 in Targeted Allocation Money in 2018, and an international roster spot through 2017.
Montero marks his second MLS spell after joining the Seattle Sounders on loan in 2009 from Colombian side Atletico Huila, where he bagged 22 goals in 56 appearances for the Cascadians. That display prompted a permanent move to Seattle ahead of the 2011 campaign, where Montero became the club's all-time leading scorer and a three-time MLS All-Star before joining Portuguese giant Sporting.
Two years in the Primeira Liga were followed by a €5-million move to cash-happy China, and after nine tallies in 29 features for Tianjin, Montero enlists with a Whitecaps side looking for help in attack.
Thankful to @WhitecapsFC for putting your trust on me 🙏 pic.twitter.com/zs7mWaUBJ5
— Fredy Montero (@_fredymontero) February 15, 2017
"I'm really excited, so happy, and feel blessed," Montero told the league's website. "I was looking forward to once again playing in Major League Soccer and I am so thankful to Whitecaps FC for giving me this opportunity. I can't wait to step onto the field, in front of the great Vancouver supporters, and start scoring goals."
With last season's leading scorer, Pedro Morales (9) returning to his homeland with Chileans Colo-Colo, Montero and Jamaican international Giles Barnes will be looked upon to fill the gap left by the absence of the 12-time capped La Roja midfielder.
Gaffer Carl Robinson echoed that desire to bolster the attack, saying, "We have worked diligently throughout the offseason to strengthen the forward areas and today we have managed to add a very good striker in Fredy.
"He has proven throughout his career to be an elite attacking player and consistent goalscorer, and he is already familiar with the league and environment."