VANCOUVER, B.C. - The Whitecaps went on the offensive last week to shore up depth on the wing, and up front with the acquisition Bernie Ibini, from Belgian Pro League side Club Brugge KV. Vancouver are 4-5-1 on the season with a long list of injuries at the minute. It was important that Carl Robinson made a transfer before the MLS primary transfer window deadline closed on May 8.
Bernie Ibini has switched continents and safely made his way to Vancouver. He had a light jogging session earlier this week during training. Ibini spoke to inquiring minds about his move to Vancouver and how exactly it came about.
"My agent brought forward the offer to me and I thought it was something that was definitely very exciting. I'm happy to be here now," said Ibini.
The 24 year-old Australian missed the Australian A-League 'Grand Final' before his move to MLS was confirmed. He's currently hobbled with a nagging hamstring injury, but he doesn't expect to be sidelined long-term.
"Yeah my hamstring is a little bit injured," revealed Ibini. "I think it'll be a couple of weeks before I'll be out on the pitch. I had a bit of a session today, and it felt ok."
When he is healthy and fully fit, Whitecaps FC fans can expect to see a player with a lot of pace, agility, strength, and size. He is six-foot-two and full of muscles. Getting Ibini into the lineup will give Carl Robinson plenty of options on the wings, and up front. Ibini could play alongside Fredy Montero, behind him, or on the flanks. The possibilities are endless.
"I'm definitely going to try and bring a lot of excitement," said Ibini. "I'm a player that likes to try and take players on. I create goal-scoring opportunities and score goals myself, so that's what I'm going to try and bring to the team."
Ibini met with his new teammates on Tuesday afternoon. Coach Robinson is hoping his newest club addition will be able to help out on the pitch in a few weeks time. For now, Ibini will look to acclimate himself to the team, and a new city.
"A really nice guy," said Robinson of his first impressions of Ibini. "It's nice to have him here, it's taken a lot of work to get that over the line. Hopefully we'll see him on the field sooner rather than later. Good guy, obviously he's a big big body, you can see that. We know he's quick, strong, but technically he's very good as well. I'll introduce him to the rest of the guys today."
The Australian international admits that he hasn't previously followed MLS, but he is aware of Whitecaps FC. Live MLS matches are being shown in more and more countries with an ever-growing audience. While he might not be familiar with all the teams, stadiums, and players. Ibini loves the beautiful game, and will look to learn quickly.
"I've followed the MLS a little bit," said Ibini. "Whitecaps not so much, but I love football. Back home, MLS is on TV, so I'd be watching it."
Ibini is currently signed for the duration of this season, and the 2018 MLS season. The Whitecaps hold an option following the conclusion of next season. If everything runs smoothly, and Ibini can fit in, and contribute on and off the pitch. He could be a fantastic transfer that just might decide to plant roots in Vancouver long-term.
"I'd definitely like to build my career here," said Ibini. "I think I can do that here."
Vancouver needed to do something at the deadline, and Ibini was the footballer Carl Robinson wanted all along. Once he is healthy, he will look to make an imprint with Whitecaps FC. Any extra bit of scoring punch he can provide is icing on a cake.
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