Richie Laryea Joins Vancouver Whitecaps on Loan from Nottingham Forest
In a major shakeup in the Major League Soccer (MLS) landscape, Richie Laryea has bid adieu to Toronto FC and Nottingham Forest to join the Vancouver Whitecaps. The Canadian international is set to bolster the Whitecaps' ranks until the end of the year, as confirmed by both clubs.
Laryea's move to Vancouver comes after playing 10 games in 2022 and 18 this season for Toronto FC before his loan expired on June 30. The versatile player had been a key figure for TFC, clocking up 112 games across two spells with his hometown club, contributing 11 goals and 21 assists.
The Whitecaps managed to secure Laryea's signature despite strong interest from multiple other MLS teams, including TFC and D.C. United. It's understood that Laryea was seeking a Designated Player's salary, which TFC were unable to provide, leading him to choose Vancouver.
"We’re trying to work it through with a deal that makes sense. And then we have to respect Nottingham and what they want to do," said Bill Manning, hinting at the complex negotiations behind the scenes. Manning, along with TFC’s top brass, tabled a “strong bid” to Forest to bring back Laryea, but their efforts proved unsuccessful.
While currently on loan, the Whitecaps are actively working towards signing Laryea permanently during the winter offseason. The club plans to make him a Designated Player, a status reserved for marquee players who command wages above the standard salary cap. However, no option to buy Laryea permanently is included in the current loan deal.
An agreement in principle for a possible transfer at around $1.5 million CAD has been reached, according to sources close to the deal. "A deal would probably need to be struck within 48 to 72 hours or else, that’ll open up a slot that we need to make sure we [fill] with the right player," Manning added.
Looking ahead, Laryea is expected to fill the boots of Julian Gressel at Vancouver, indicating a significant role awaits him at his new club. His first opportunity to face his former teammates will come soon, as TFC will host Laryea and the Whitecaps at BMO Field on September 16.
With this move, Laryea has not only switched clubs but also expectations and responsibilities. The coming months will reveal whether this change of scenery will yield the desired results for both the player and the Vancouver Whitecaps.