Vancouver Whitecaps, defender Marcel de Jong agree to mutual split

VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Whitecaps have parted ways with veteran Canadian defender Marcel de Jong.

The Major League Soccer club announced the move in a statement Monday, saying it “mutually agreed to a contract termination” with the 32-year-old left back.

The statement says a portion of his contract will remain in the ‘Caps budget this season.

De Jong, a native of Newmarket, Ont., joined the Whitecaps in 2016 and has played in 46 games for the team, tallying four assists.

He also played for clubs in the Netherlands and Germany before jumping to the MLS with Sporting KC in 2015.

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Whitecaps head coach Marc Dos Santos says in a statement that the decision to part ways will allow de Jong to “explore other opportunities” while the club continues making roster changes ahead of the upcoming season.

“We are thankful to Marcel for his contributions,” the coach said. “He has served this club professionally and we wish him well in the future.”

Vancouver has now split with 20 players from last year’s team, which finished the season out of a playoff spot with a 13-13-8 record.

The club has signed 11 new athletes since early December, including rising South Korean soccer star Hwang In-beom.

The Whitecaps are currently training in Hawaii ahead of their season opener on March 2.

The Canadian Press