Vancouver Whitecaps sign Guinean forward Diaby, Angolan defender Modesto

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“Yadaly is a versatile forward who can play between the lines to link play, while also having the ability to attack space behind the defence,” Whitecaps sporting director Axel Schuster said in a release. “In addition, he can play on the wing and provide us with a threat in set-piece situations.”

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The Whitecaps picked up Modesto in a transfer from Italy’s Serie A side Udinese.

The 26-year-old right back has also inked a deal through the 2029-30 MLS season, with a club option for 2030-31.

“Rui is a player we’ve been looking at for a while now,” Schuster said. “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.”

Modesto is coming off a loan with Serie B club Palermo in Italy, where he made 10 appearances, tallying a goal and an assist.

Over the course of his professional career, the five-foot-11, 160-pound defender has played in 160 games for clubs in Italy, Finland and Sweden, scoring 28 goals, notching 32 assists and winning the Finnish League Cup with FC Honka in 2022.

He’s made seven appearances with Angola’s men’s national team and was named to the country’s roster for the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 1, 2026.

The Canadian Press