Fredy Montero is returning to Cascadia country.
The Vancouver Whitecaps signed the former Seattle Sounders star Wednesday, acquiring Montero as a designated player on a one-year loan from Chinese Super League side Tianjin Teda.
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Vancouver added the 29-year-old via the No. 1 slot in the MLS allocation order, which the club acquired earlier Wednesday in a trade with Minnesota United. As part of the deal, the Whitecaps sent Minnesota $100,000 in general allocation money in 2018, $125,000 in targeted allocation money in 2018 and an international roster spot through 2017.
"It's a great signing for us and we're delighted to welcome Fredy to our club," Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson said in a news release. "We have worked diligently throughout the offseason to strengthen the forward areas and today we have managed to add a very good striker in Fredy. He has proven throughout his career to be an elite attacking player and consistent goal-scorer, and he is already familiar with the league and environment."
It's official!#VWFC acquire striker Fredy Montero on a one-year loan from Chinese side Tianjin Teda: https://t.co/EATDpQafkg pic.twitter.com/vAFKnsJqUn
— Vancouver Whitecaps (@WhitecapsFC) February 15, 2017
Montero recorded 47 goals and 34 assists over 119 regular season appearances with the Sounders from 2009 to 2012. The forward then left MLS for loan stints with Colombian side Millonarios and Portuguese power Sporting CP, eventually signing with Sporting on a permanent deal in 2014.
The Colombian forward compiled 37 goals and 12 assists in all competitions with Sporting from 2014 to 2016, making five appearances in the UEFA Champions League. He joined Tianjin Teda last year, notching nine goals and three assists in 29 league contests.
Montero fills a major void for the Whitecaps, who parted ways with forwards Blas Perez and Masato Kudo earlier this offseason and sold striker Octavio Rivero to Chilean side Colo-Colo in July.
"I'm really excited, so happy, and feel blessed," Montero said. "I was looking forward to once again playing in Major League Soccer and I am so thankful to Whitecaps FC for giving me this opportunity. I can't wait to step onto the field, in front of the great Vancouver supporters, and start scoring goals."