Vancouver FC Adds Brazilian Veteran Renan Garcia

Vancouver FC has continued its midseason recruitment drive of experience players with the addition of Brazilian midfielder Renan Garcia, while Gael Sandoval departs the team.

The 37-year-old arrives to Willoughby Community Park as the club’s most experienced player, having featured for the likes of Atletico Mineiro, Vitoria Guimaraes, CFR Cluj, Sampdoria, AL Nasr, Emirates Club, and most recently Brazilian lower league side Batatais.

“Renan is a seasoned professional who can help to shape our culture at Vancouver FC,” says VFC boss Afshin Ghotbi, who has already brought in more experience this summer with the additions of Mikael Cantave and Alejandro Diaz.

“In my career, I played in many countries, and I have many experiences,” says the club’s newest recruit. “Coming to North America and Canada is a challenge for me, but I like a challenge.”

While Vancouver FC occupies the basement level of league standings, the club points out that Renan has been part of big rises before: he was part of the Sampdoria side who won promotion into Italy’s top flight in 2012, remaining with the club for a further two years before a move to the United Arab Emirates.

Having since returned to his native Brazil, he’s excited to play abroad once more and experience what life is like in Canada.

Afshin Ghotbi’s inaugural team has leaned young, boasting the league’s youngest-ever player signing and an average age of just 23.

The first four seasons of the league saw clubs generally shy away from signing veteran talent, though this summer window has now seen both Vancouver FC and Atletico Ottawa buy in to seasoned veterans with European experience.

Like Alejandor Diaz, Renan Garcia is eligible for this weekend’s away match against Atletico Ottawa.

Header Image Photo Credit: Beau Chevalier / Vancouver FC