Vancouver Whitecaps re-sign star goalkeeper Takaoka but lose a player via trade
The Vancouver Whitecaps had some uncertainty at the goalkeeper position as they entered the offseason.
They put that uncertainty to rest on Thursday morning.
The Whitecaps have announced that they have re-signed star goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka to a contract extension that runs until June 2027.
That means the 29-year-old will remain with the Whitecaps for the next two seasons, including the abbreviated transition campaign at the beginning of 2027.
“We are pleased to have reached a new agreement with Yohei,” Whitecaps sporting director Axel Schuster said in a press release.
“Since joining us in 2023, Yohei has become a key figure within our club, consistently demonstrating why he is regarded as one of the leagueās top players in his position.”
Takaoka started every MLS match for the Whitecaps during the regular season and playoffs, and led all keepers in the regular season with 13 clean sheets.
He’s been a mainstay in net for the Whitecaps ever since joining the club back in 2023. Vancouver signed him prior to the 2023 season after he won a championship with Yokohama F. Marinos of Japan’s top soccer league back in 2022.
Takaoka said not today. ā#MLSAllStar // @WhitecapsFC pic.twitter.com/nBgX3Ah8UW
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 24, 2025
Since joining the Whitecaps, he’s started almost every single match. Takaoka has manned the net for 100 of Vancouver’s last 102 regular-season MLS contests.
Across all competitions, Takaoka has played 129 games for the Whitecaps, and he’s second in the franchise’s MLS era with 35 clean sheets.
“Iām delighted to extend my contract with the Whitecaps,” Takaoka said in a press release. “Iāve felt the love and support throughout the club since day one, and I canāt wait to go again.”
“Iām looking forward to seeing everyone back at BC Place. Our best season is yet to come, and letās go win every trophy next year.”
Whitecaps trade Nelson
While the Whitecaps wrapped up arguably their biggest piece of business on Thursday by re-signing Takaoka, they weren’t done there.
Last week, it was reported that the Whitecaps were open to moving 23-year-old Jayden Nelson after he saw his playing time slip down the stretch.
On Thursday, Vancouver officially traded Jayden Nelson to Austin FC in exchange for the 17th overall pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft and $1.25 million in General Allocation Money (GAM).
“This move ultimately benefits all parties,” Schuster said in a press release. “It gives Jayden an excellent opportunity to earn regular minutes and continue pursuing his dream of playing a World Cup on home soil.”
Nelson, an inspiring Canadian talent for the Whitecaps, reportedly wanted more playing time in 2026. He’s currently on the roster bubble for the Canadian men’s national soccer team for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Although they lost Nelson, the Whitecaps will retain midfielder AndrƩs Cubas, according to reports.
The 26-year-old was being courted by AtlĆ©tico Paranaense in Brazil, but he’s opted to stay with the Whitecaps for the 2026 campaign.