Adelaide United defender Giuseppe Bovalina has joined MLS outfit Vancouver Whitecaps for an undisclosed fee.
The 19-year-old full-back, who will arrive in Vancouver this weekend, has agreed a contract through to 2026, with club options for 2027 and 2028.
After signing a scholarship deal with Adelaide in September last year, Bovalina impressed in his maiden Isuzu UTE A-League season, making 23 appearances across all competitions – scoring once and supplying two assists.
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“I am extremely excited for the next chapter in my football career, and I am so grateful for the support the club has given me to this point,” the South Australian native said.
“While I have worked extremely hard on and off the pitch, I would like to thank Carl (Veart), Airton (Andrioli), and the Adelaide United coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to flourish on the biggest stage of Australian football.
“I would also like to thank Western Strikers, Croydon FC, and the coaches I have worked with in the Football SA NTC program.”
Adelaide’s head of football Marius Zanin added: “Giuseppe has been a true professional during his at Adelaide United.
“His extreme dedication and hard work are fantastic examples to the other young players in our cohort.
“We look forward to watching him flourish in his footballing career and making Adelaide proud.”
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Bovalina is the latest Adelaide product to earn a move abroad, with Nestory Irankunda set to join Bayern Munich at the end of the season.
Joe Gauci moved to Aston Villa in January, while Steven Hall was signed by Brighton and Hove Albion.
Bovalina is the third Australian-born player to join Vancouver after Andy Rose and Bernie Ibini.
“We are pleased to welcome Giuseppe to Vancouver,” said Whitecaps sporting director Axel Schuster.
“At 19, he has already been a consistent starter for his team, and we have tracked him as one of the top players in his position in the A-League.
“He brings qualities at both ends of the pitch and we are happy that we were able to convince him that we are the right club with our plan and pathway. We’re looking forward to helping him develop his qualities to the next level.”
