TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing
Vancouver Whitecaps FC have acquired right back Rui Modesto from Italian Serie A side Udinese, the club announced Tuesday.
The 26-year-old Angolan international defender is under contract through the 2029-30 MLS season with an option for 2030-31.
Modesto has accumulated 28 goals and 32 assists in 160 matches across various European clubs. He won the 2022 Finnish League Cup with FC Honka, then played for Sweden's AIK Fotboll before moving to Italy's Udinese and Palermo.
"Rui is a player we’ve been looking at for a while now," said Whitecaps sporting director Axel Schuster.
"We believe his combination of pace, directness, and strong work rate on both sides of the ball fits our style of play. He adds valuable experience to our team, and we’re excited to welcome Rui to our group."
Born in Portugal, Modesto has played seven times for Angola. He was on their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations roster and started vs. Egypt.
The Whitecaps lead the Western Conference (43 points) and made both the MLS Cup presented by Audi and Concacaf Champions Cup finals in 2025.
"I’m excited to start this new chapter with Vancouver Whitecaps FC," said Modesto. "I’m grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to get started, to improve, and to help the team succeed."
READ MORE:Â MLS Transfer Tracker
