23-year-old Canadian striker arrives after playing two years in Belgium
VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Thursday that the club has acquired Canadian international forward Kwasi Poku via transfer from Belgian side RWDM Brussels. Poku has agreed to a contract through the 2027-28 Major League Soccer season, with a club option for the 2028-29 season. The 23-year-old will officially join the club’s MLS roster pending receipt of his international transfer certificate.
“We are excited to welcome Kwasi to our group,” said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director. “Kwasi is a young, talented Canadian international who brings pace, intelligent movement, and finishing ability to our attack. He has the qualities and mindset to continue his development, and we are excited to help him take the next step in his career while strengthening our team.”
Whitecaps FC striker Kwasi Poku
- Six goals in 31 appearances with Belgian side RWDM Brussels
- 12 goal contributions across 22 appearances during the 2024 season with Forge FC
- Two-time Canadian Premier League winner
- Product of Toronto FC Academy
“I’m very excited to be joining Whitecaps FC, for me, it feels like a fresh start and it’s great to be back in my home country.” added Poku. “I can’t wait to make my debut at BC Place and meet all of you. I understand this is a winning team, and I want to continue that legacy and make even more history.”
Most recently, Poku spent the last two years in Europe with Belgian side RWDM Brussels, scoring six goals in 31 appearances across all competitions. During that time, the native of Brampton, Ontario received his first call-up to Canada’s men’s national team, coming off the bench in a 2-1 win over Panama.
Prior to making the move to Europe, Poku played three seasons with Canadian Premier League side Forge FC. His final season with the Hammers in 2024 saw him record 12 goal contributions (10 goals, two assists) in 22 appearances across all competitions. In total, Poku tallied 13 goals, as well as four assists, in 47 starts and 70 appearances with Forge.
In his youth, Poku came through the Toronto FC Academy, while also spending time with Toronto FC II and Toronto FC III. He also represented Canada at the Concacaf U-20 Championship in 2022, starting all four matches as a fullback.
Poku is the eighth Canadian-born player on the current Whitecaps FC roster, as well as the third Ontario native, joining Belal Halbouni and Ralph Priso.
TRANSACTION: On July 30, 2026, Whitecaps FC acquire forward Kwasi Poku via transfer from Belgian side RWDM Brussels. Poku agrees to a contract through the 2027-28 season, with a club option for 2028-29.
Kwasi Poku
Pronunciation: KWAY-see poh-koo
Position: Striker
Height: 6-03
Weight: 190 pounds
Date of Birth: February 6, 2003, in Brampton, Ontario
Hometown: Brampton, Ontario
Citizenship: Canada
Status: Domestic
Previous Clubs: RWDM Brussels (2024-26), Forge FC (2022-24), Toronto FC II (2021)
Youth Clubs: Toronto FC Academy
Instagram: @kwasi\_poku
