Major League Soccer side Vancouver Whitecaps confirmed the signature of Senegal attacker Cheikh Sabaly earlier in the month from French club Metz, ending his nine-year stay in France.
The 26-year-old winger started his senior career at Metz in 2018, but also spent several seasons away from the club on loan at several clubs including Pau and Quevilly-Rouen in the French lower divisions.
He enjoyed a breakout campaign last season, scoring 15 times for Metz in the second division as they secured promotion to the Ligue One at the end of the season. However, he has only provided two assists so far this season and missed several matches due to commitments with Senegal at the 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament, where they won gold medal.
Vancouver Whitecaps agreed a fee in the region of €1 million for the versatile attacker, who will wear the number seven shirt and signs until the 2028-29 season, with the option of an additional year.
The Caps identified Sabaly as a major attacking reinforcement ahead of the 2026 MLS season and were impressed by his ability to play multiple roles across the attack, as they chase their first-ever MLS Cup and Concacaf Champions Cup this year.
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Transfer fee, contract details: How much did Vancouver pay for Sabaly
Vancouver Whitecaps agreed a fixed fee of €1 million to complete the signing of the versatile forward with no add-ons or bonuses included in the transfer.
The MLS side beat competition from several English clubs including Middlesbrough and Southampton to Sabaly’s signature after sealing an agreement on a three-and-a-half-year deal with the option of a further year, which could extend his stay at the club to 2030.
Salary details: How much will Sabaly earn in the MLS
Per Capology, Sabaly earned around €26,154 per week during his stay at Metz, amounting to around €1.36 million annually.
However, he will receive a significant upgrade in pay upon his arrival at Vancouver Whitecaps, which places him among the club’s best earners.
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From Metz to Vancouver
Cheikh Sabaly has spent his entire senior career in France with Metz, although he had several loan spells away from the club.
Now set for the first overseas move of his career, the Senegalese forward will hope to add his speed and experience to the Vancouver Whitecaps’ attack and help them in their quest for glory while at the club.
