Vancouver Whitecaps Terminate Contract with Masato Kudo

The Vancouver Whitecaps promised change at the end of the 2016 MLS season, and so far it’s been mostly subtractions, not additions. Players like Blas Perez and Pedro Morales are officially out the door, and the club has yet to make any major signings as we head into the new year. That trend continued on Friday, as the club announced they were officially moving on from striker Masato Kudo.

Kudo looked like a promising option for the Whitecaps stagnant attack, before his season was interrupted by a brutal collision during a May 11th contest versus the Chicago Fire. I’m a little surprised the club was willing to move on from the 26 year old so soon, however, it sounds like the decision may have been mutual. According to The Province newspaper, Kudo has signed with Sanfrecce Hiroshima in Japan.

From the Whitecaps press release:

"Masato is one of the best professionals I have ever worked with and we are thankful for the contributions he made during his time in Vancouver," said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. "This move will provide Masato an opportunity to explore additional first team options. We wish him all the best."

I assume this means more signings are in the future, right?