Vancouver Whitecaps FC acquired defender Julian Gressel from D.C. United on Friday.
D.C. United received $600,000 in General Allocation Money ($400,000 in 2022, $200,000 in 2023) and $300,000 in incentives in exchange for Gressel.
“We are always looking for opportunities to take our team to the next level and Julian is the perfect fit. He has been on our radar for a long time, and we are very happy we got this deal done,” said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director.
“Over the past five-plus years in the league, Julian has proven to be one of the best players in MLS, regardless of position, and is a league leader in assists. His ability to cross the ball and to set up his teammates in good positions will add additional quality to our group. Not only this, but Julian plays with great intensity and brings the versatility to play as a midfielder, where he helped Atlanta win an MLS Cup. Overall, he is a fantastic player, and we are thrilled to welcome him and his family to Vancouver.”
Gressel, 28, leads D.C. United with seven assists through 17 games (16 starts) this season.
The Germany international has 19 goals and 58 assists in 171 MLS matches (154 starts) with Atlanta United (2017-19) and D.C. United.
A 2017 first-round pick (No. 8 overall) and a 2018 MLS Cup winner with Atlanta, Gressel was traded to D.C. United in January 2020.
–Field Level Media
