Kenji Cabrera has signed with "Vancouver Whitecaps" from Peruvian club FBC Melgar in a $1.2 million deal. The 22-year-old winger has penned a contract until 2028 with a club option for 2029 and will be part of the MLS U22 Initiative program as the Canadian club moves quickly to replace Pedro Vite.
"Kenji is a player with the ability to impact the game offensively in central and wide areas," – said Whitecaps FC sporting director Axel Schuster. "In the last year, we've seen him develop into a key part of Melgar and we believe he's ready to take the next step in his career."
Born in Shiga, Japan, Cabrera has been turning heads in Peru with impressive numbers. This season alone, he's bagged nine goals and four assists in 26 appearances across all competitions. Not surprising that his market value has doubled since last November – jumping from €800,000 to €1.6 million.
The timing couldn't be better for the "Whitecaps." After a hot start to the season that included reaching the Concacaf Champions Cup final, the squad has hit a rough patch. Since their 5-0 defeat to Cruz Azul in that final, they've managed just three wins from seven matches. One of those victories came against Canadian Premier League side Valour FC – hardly a confidence booster.
Interestingly, club insiders suggest Cabrera won't be the only fresh face at BC Place this summer. The secondary transfer window opens on July 24, and the "Whitecaps" are still shopping for a progressive midfielder to fill the void left by Stuart Armstrong. To put it simply – expect a busy few weeks ahead.
Cabrera has made a name for himself in his home country. "He is the most talented U-23 forward in Peru thanks to his great dribbling and attacking impact with goals and assists," according to Transfermarkt Area Manager Peru Gerson Romero. The youngster is expected to join the club by mid-August, pending immigration processing.
Can the Japanese-born Peruvian hit the ground running in MLS? The "Whitecaps" are certainly banking on it as they look to regain momentum in their campaign.
