VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC acquired experienced defender/midfielder Florian Jungwirth via trade from San Jose Earthquakes, the club announced on Friday.
“With the loan of Derek Cornelius last month, we wanted to bring in additional depth at that position,” said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director and chief executive officer. “Florian is a versatile player, not only can he play as a centre back, but also as a fullback or midfielder. He brings great experience to our group both in MLS and abroad.”
The two-time Quakes Defensive Player of the Year joins Whitecaps FC in exchange for $200,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM). The Earthquakes could also receive up to an additional $100,000 in conditional 2022 GAM. San Jose will retain a portion of the player’s 2021 salary budget charge. Jungwirth holds a United States green card and will not occupy an international roster spot. The transaction was completed on Thursday, prior to the close of the international transfer window in Canada and the United States.
“Florian is a player who knows the league well, and knows the Western Conference well from his time in San Jose,” added Marc Dos Santos, Whitecaps FC head coach. “He gives us cover in the team, and is a player who should adapt well with our group. We look forward to welcoming him in.”
Arriving in Vancouver with over 13 professional seasons under his belt, the 32-year old moved to MLS in 2017 with San Jose. With the Earthquakes, he started 120 of his 126 MLS appearances including playoffs, and was honoured as the club’s top defensive player in 2017 and 2019. His 240 interceptions and 179 tackles won since joining MLS place him in the top 10 across the league in both categories during that stretch.
"I am really glad to join this wonderful club," said Jungwirth. "Everyone knows that I am a warrior and I can't wait to fight and leave it all for you on the field."
Prior to his move to MLS, Jungwirth spent the first nine years of his professional career in his native country of Germany. He was named to 1860 Munich’s first team in 2008 after initially joining the club’s youth system in 2000. He also had stints with Dynamo Dresden, VfL Bochum, and finally Darmstadt 98, where he made 35 total appearances in two Bundesliga seasons prior to his departure for MLS.
Born in Gräfelfing in the district of Munich, Jungwirth represented Germany at the youth levels and was the captain of the national side that won the 2008 UEFA U-19 Championship.
TRANSACTION: On August 6, 2021, Whitecaps FC acquire defender/midfielder Florian Jungwirth from San Jose Earthquakes in exchange for $200,000 in General Allocation Money. The Earthquakes could receive up to an additional $100,000 in conditional GAM. San Jose will retain a portion of the player’s 2021 salary budget charge.
Florian Jungwirth
Position: Defender/Midfielder
Height: 5-11
Weight: 174 pounds
Date of Birth: January 27, 1989 in Gräfelfing, Germany
Hometown: Gräfelfing, Germany
Citizenship: Germany
Status: Domestic (Green Card)
Last Professional Club: San Jose Earthquakes (2017-2021)
Instagram: @florian_jungwirth
Acquired: Acquired by Vancouver Whitecaps FC via trade from San Jose Earthquakes on August 6, 2021
