Vancouver Whitecaps sign Junior Hoilett on free transfer from Reading

After spending 14 years playing in the United Kingdom, Junior Hoilett is making a change as he's signed for Vancouver Whitecaps on a free transfer from EFL League One side Reading.

Hoilett is no stranger to playing in Canada, as he's made over 50 appearances for the Canadian national team, scoring 15 goals and 16 assists, and featuring at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Hoilett joins the Whitecaps for the remainder of the 2023 MLS season.

The 33-year-old played primarily as a full-back for Reading but has become quite a versatile player throughout his career, taking up minutes at left and right-midfield as well as featuring up front when playing internationally for his country.

During his career, Hoilett has also made stops in Wales with Cardiff City, then Queens Park Rangers and Blackburn Rovers in England, and Padernborn 07 and St Pauli in Germany.

"Junior brings a wealth of experience and leadership to our group," Vancouver sporting director Axel Schuster said in a press release.

"He has played a key role with Canada’s men’s national team over the years, having most recently helped Canada finish at the top of Concacaf qualifying for the World Cup and was the captain at the Gold Cup. We are very pleased to welcome Junior and his family to the club."

"I’m super excited to be here in Vancouver, where I shared many great memories at BC Place in front of amazing fans," said Hoilett. "I can’t wait to make new memories and help this team achieve our goals for the remainder of the year."

Hoilett has impressed wherever he's been during his career, tallying 63 goals and 52 assists in 500 appearances at the club level.

Vancouver, sixth in the Western Conference with 38 points, prepare for a Canadian derby with Toronto FC on September 16 at BMO Field.

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