Vancouver FC announced returning and departing players on Friday ahead of the 2026 season.
The main talking point of the roster update is Kunle Dada-Luke, who leaves after just one season following the club’s decision to decline his option.
The 25-year-old joined for the 2025 season after a four-season stint with provincial rivals Pacific.
Midfielder Juan Batista and forward José Navarro will also leave the club.
The Eagles confirmed the return of three players, highlighted by Nicolás Mezquida. The experienced Uruguayan returns on a new one-year contract as he and the club prepare for their Concacaf Champions Cup clashes against Cruz Azul in February.
Midfielders Abdoulaye Ouattara and Thomas Powell are also set to return, with the latter signing his first professional contract. Powell’s deal will keep him at the club for at least one more season, with club options for 2027 and 2028.
As of January 2, Vancouver FC’s roster includes goalkeepers Callum Irving and Felipe Jaramillo; defenders Matteo Campagna, Tyler Crawford, Paris Gee, and David Norman Jr.; midfielders Emrick Fotsing, Nicolás Mezquida, Abdoulaye Ouattara, Thomas Powell, and Michel da Silva; and forwards Terran Campbell, Kevin Podgorni, and Elage Bah.
The Eagles will face a shorter off-season than usual, hosting Mexican giants Cruz Azul at Willoughby Community Park on February 4 before travelling to Mexico City the following week for the return leg.
It has been a hectic off-season for the Langley side, both on and off the pitch. About a month ago, former head coach Afshin Ghotbi filed a lawsuit against club owners Six-Five Sports & Entertainment, alleging failure to repay a $500,000 loan plus interest.
