Whitecaps FC Sign Canadian Defender Belal Halbouni

February 5, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release

VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Monday that the club has signed Canadian centre back Belal Halbouni to a contract through 2025, with a club option for 2026, pending receipt of his international transfer certificate (ITC).

“We are pleased to welcome Belal to Vancouver,” said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director. “In his four plus years he has gained a lot of experience competing in Germany. Belal convinced us with his good performances during our preseason camp in Spain and he will bring us depth and additional competition to our centre back group.”

Whitecaps FC defender Belal Halbouni

Started 35 of his 36 career appearances at the professional club level

First called up to Canada’s men’s national team in January 2021

One international appearance with Syria in a friendly against Jordan in September 2022

“I am extremely happy to be part of Whitecaps FC,” added Halbouni. “The hospitality has been amazing since I arrived here. The team and staff welcomed me well. I am excited to be back playing in Canada and to start this new journey here in Vancouver at a club with such great history.”

Halbouni, 24, had spent the entirety of his professional club career in Germany. Most recently, the product of London, Ontario, played two seasons as member of German side 1.FC Magdeburg. Halbouni started all eight of his appearances across all competitions for 1.FC Magdeburg II, posted a 7W-1L-0D record in his starts, and scored once.

Halbouni’s first stint in Germany came with SV Werder Bremen II, where he started 27 of his 28 appearances across all competitions and helped the side record 11 clean sheets. In addition, the defender recorded three goals, as well as two assists, and wore the captain’s armband in seven matches for the second team.

Prior to making the move to Germany, Halbouni played for League1 Ontario outfit FC London from 2017 to 2019. During that time, the Canadian-Syrian also spent 2018 with the Western Mustangs at Western University.

At the international level, Halbouni has made one appearance for Syria’s men’s national team in a friendly against Jordan in September 2022. He was first called up to Canada’s men’s national team for a camp in Bradenton, Florida back in January 2021.

Halbouni played with his local club North London SC.

TRANSACTION: On February 5, 2024, Whitecaps FC sign defender Belal Halbouni to a contract through 2025, with a club…