Vancouver FC Makes Bakare Official

As we reported yesterday, English Centre-back Ibrahim Bakare has signed on as Vancouver FC’s sixth international.

The 20-year-old centre has recently ventured around the English lower leagues, but also boasts experience with League Two side Morecambe FC and the Cardiff Cuty U-23 squad.

“I am really pleased to be joining Vancouver, to have the opportunity to settle here and experience playing professional soccer in Canada,” said Bakare. “I want to show what I can do and share my experience and leadership with the team. I am excited to put my head down and get to work for the club.”

A move to Vancouver FC seems like a great step for the right-footed centre-back: after being moved out of the Cardiff youth system last fall, he had a two-month spell at National League North side Kettering Town FC before going to non-league pastures with Macclesfield FC in December, where he scored on his debut before moving on to Cheshunt FC in January.

“We are thrilled to introduce a fantastic defender in Ibrahim, who possesses personality, quality and experience beyond his young age,” added VFC head coach Afshin Ghotbi. “His power, athleticism and versatility will make him a valuable addition to our squad.”

Given the path that unfolded for CPL MVP Ollie Bassett – who was playing non-league football before returning to the pro game with Pacific and making a splash – it’s clear that Bakare could have a big upside should he settle in well with the club.

We heard that the club had initially sought David Norman Jr as a centre-back option, though salary negotiations had nixed the move prior to the club moving in on Bakare.

Afshin Ghotbi has brought in a string of internationals headlined by Liga MX veteran Gael Sandoval, who was paraded as a high-profile signing by Tepatitlan FC before he controversially left for Vancouver FC instead. The team also brought in English-Ghanaian winger Nicky Gyimah this week, with South Korean attacker Min-jae Kwak also arriving.

See Also: How Vancouver FC’s Roster Build Is Taking Shape

If Bakare lands with Vancouver as we suspect he will, he’ll be the club’s sixth international signing – and the club’s twentieth on the roster. That would leave room for just three more signings, just one of whom could be international.

Vancouver FC did not disclose the length or financial details of Bakare’s contract.

The club’s inaugural campaign will kick off on April 15 with an away trip to neighbouring side Pacific FC.