Vancouver Whitecaps FC acquire Canadian international forward Kwasi Poku

By Liam Tremblay — 30 July 2026 — 3 min read

Whitecaps FC strengthen attack with Canadian international

Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Thursday the acquisition of Canadian international forward Kwasi Poku. The 23-year-old striker joins the club via transfer from Belgian side RWDM Brussels. Poku has agreed to a contract that extends through the 2027-28 Major League Soccer season, with an additional club option for the 2028-29 season. His official integration into the club’s MLS roster is contingent upon receiving his international transfer certificate.

Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director, expressed enthusiasm for the new signing. Schuster highlighted Poku’s attributes, stating that he is a young, talented Canadian international who will contribute pace, intelligent movement, and finishing ability to the team’s attack. Schuster also noted Poku’s qualities and mindset for continued development, and the club’s aim to support his career progression while strengthening the team.

Poku, a native of Brampton, Ontario, shared his excitement about joining Whitecaps FC, describing it as a fresh start and a welcome return to his home country. He expressed eagerness to debut at BC Place and meet the fans, acknowledging the team’s winning legacy and his desire to contribute to its continued success.

Poku’s career trajectory

Poku spent the last two years in Europe with RWDM Brussels, where he scored six goals in 31 appearances across all competitions. During his time in Belgium, he received his first call-up to Canada‘s men’s national team, making an appearance off the bench in a 2-1 victory over Panama.

Before his move to Europe, Poku played three seasons with Canadian Premier League side Forge FC. In his final season with Forge FC in 2024, he recorded 12 goal contributions, comprising 10 goals and two assists, in 22 appearances across all competitions. Overall, Poku tallied 13 goals and four assists in 47 starts and 70 appearances for Forge FC. He is also a two-time Canadian Premier League winner.

Poku is a product of the Toronto FC Academy. He also represented Canada at the Concacaf U-20 Championship in 2022, starting all four matches as a fullback. Poku is the eighth Canadian-born player on the current Whitecaps FC roster and the third Ontario native, joining Belal Halbouni and Ralph Priso.

Club updates and future plans

The acquisition of Poku marks the first summer addition for the Whitecaps as they prepare for a busy August, which includes five matches across MLS and Leagues Cup play within the first 19 days of the month. Schuster indicated that the club intends to add more players during the MLS secondary transfer window, which remains open until September 2.

Schuster mentioned the club’s aim to bring in at least one player with the profile to be an immediate starter, and potentially more players to add depth. He confirmed discussions with at least three candidates, none of whom participated in the 2026 World Cup.

In other team news, the Whitecaps are preparing for their first match at BC Place since April 25, with a crowd of over 35,000 expected when they play LAFC on Saturday. The Whitecaps are currently tied for first in the MLS Western Conference with a 10-3-3 record. The club currently does not have an agreement to play games at BC Place beyond the 2026 campaign.

Regarding injuries, Ranko Veselinovic will be sidelined for multiple weeks due to a left knee injury. Thomas Müller, who sustained an injury before the Whitecaps’ 4-3 loss to FC Cincinnati on July 22, returned to play 90 minutes on July 25 and 30 minutes during the MLS All-Star Game. Sam Adekugbe made his MLS return after 423 days against Minnesota, and Ralph Priso is expected to be available for selection on Saturday. Ryan Gauld has also shown strong form since his return, scoring a brace in his MLS return against FC Cincinnati and playing 45 minutes against Minnesota.

Source: whitecapsfc.com