Vancouver Whitecaps could lose an important player to European club
The Vancouver Whitecaps might be sending a player back to Germany, soon after grabbing one of the country’s all-time stars.
Just weeks after the biggest signing in club history in Thomas MĂĽller, TSN’s Matthew Scianitti is reporting that a second-tier German club have interest in one of the Whitecaps’ best-known players.
“Germany’s Schalke 04 want to sign Vancouver Whitecaps and Canadian national team midfielder Ali Ahmed, sources tell TSN, but the Whitecaps and the 2. Bundesliga teams have no agreement for the 24-year-old,” Scianitti wrote.
The transfer window for German clubs closes at 11 a.m. PT on Monday, Sept. 1, meaning any immediate deal involving Ahmed would have to be completed in the next few days.
How has Ahmed performed for the Whitecaps?
Ahmed, a Toronto native, joined the Whitecaps’ youth system in 2020 and made his first team debut in 2023. He has also made 17 appearances for the Canadian national team, competing in both the 2023 and 2025 Gold Cup and the 2024 Copa America for the side. Transfermarkt lists his value at €3 million, or approximately C$4.82 million.
He has been out most of the summer, having sustained an injury that sidelined him from June 21 until Aug. 17.
Whitecaps CEO Axel Schuster told Scianitti that the club was “aware of the speculation” but would “only comment if and when there’s something official to announce.”
Scianitti added that the Whitecaps have a team option for Ahmed for next season, although his contract is slated to expire at the end of 2025.
Schalke 04 has a lengthy history as a successful club in Germany, but have spent four of the last five years in 2. Bundesliga, the second tier of domestic soccer in the country. Their season is just beginning, as they’ve played just three matches in their 2025-26 2. Bundesliga campaign as they look to return to the top flight.
- You might also like:
- Thomas MĂĽller spoils big Vancouver Whitecaps news in hilarious moment