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Diego Rodriguez @clubjuventudcom jugará en el VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC de Canada de la MLS ( abpréstamo hasta el 31/12) pic.twitter.com/2r7Xxva3Vc
— Club A. Juventud Of (@clubjuventudcom) January 14, 2015
If reports coming from South America are correct, the Vancouver Whitecaps have secured the services on loan of 23 year old left footed central back Diego Rodriguez for the 2015 MLS season. It is a one year loan set to expire in December of 2015
Rodriguez was formed in the academy of Montevideo's club Wanderers where he made his debut in the Uruguayan first division back in 2010. After seeing action in five matches, he completed a transfer to Spain to join Malaga. During his time in Spain he mostly played with Malaga's affiliate Atletico Malagueno in the Spanish third division and he never played with the first team. He completed a transfer back to the Uruguayan first division in January of 2014 when he joined Club Atletico Juventud Las Piedras.
After the official announcement of the signing of new young Designated Player Octavio Rivero on Christmas morning, the Vancouver Whitecaps have remained silent regarding any other player acquisitions. News about the future of central backs Andy O'Brien and Johnny Leveron with the club are still to come but as time goes by (and with Johnny Leveron saying that he is waiting to see if any other MLS teams are interested in him) it seems more and more unlikely that we will see any of them back with the Blue and White in 2015. It is, therefore, imperative that the Whitecaps get reinforcements in defence and the Rodriguez loan is a step in that direction.
So, talking to reporter in Honduras, Leveron said no movement with Whitecaps but is waiting to hear from MLS if anyone else wants him. Hmm.
— Patrick Johnston (@risingaction) January 12, 2015
Information about Rodriguez is scarce so it is difficult to gauge if this is a depth signing or a legitimate contender to be the regular partner of Kendall Waston in the heart of the Whitecaps defence. Regardless, it is good to see that wheels are in motion and work behind closed doors continues to strengthen the squad.