Vancouver Whitecaps are set to sign Kenji Cabrera, a 22-year-old Peruvian winger from FBC Melgar, as a likely replacement for Pedro Vite, who has completed a transfer to UNAM Pumas around July 18, 2025.
🔄 Transfer Details
Pedro Vite, the Ecuadorian attacking midfielder, officially moved from Vancouver Whitecaps to Pumas UNAM in mid‑July 2025.
Kenji Cabrera is in advanced talks to join the Whitecaps, with personal terms agreed. The deal reportedly includes a $1.2 million USD transfer fee (approximately €1 million), contingent on work permit approval.
👤 Who Is Kenji Cabrera?
Name: Kenji Giovanni Cabrera Nakamura, born January 27, 2003 in Shiga, Japan; holds Peruvian nationality and is 22 years old.
Position: Primarily a left winger; also capable of playing centrally or on the right flank, showcasing attacking versatility.
2025 season stats at Melgar: Featured in 26 matches across the Peruvian Liga 1 and Copa Sudamericana, scoring 9 goals and providing 4 assists.
Market value has risen from around €800,000 to approximately €1.6 million over recent months due to his breakout form.
⚽ Fit & Expectations
Kenji Cabrera is viewed by Vancouver Sporting Director Axel Schuster as a high-upside, immediate-impact attacker who can fill the creative and goal-scoring void left by Vite. His versatility across attacking positions adds tactical flexibility, and he’s expected to adapt quickly to MLS.
Yet, some observers believe the club may pursue an additional attacker to support Cabrera’s transition, given his youth and relative inexperience at this level.
📋 At-a-Glance
| Player | Role | Source Club | Deal Status | Fee | 2025 Output |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pedro Vite | Attacking Midfielder | Vancouver → Pumas UNAM | Completed in mid-July 2025 | Not disclosed | 105 MLS appearances; 11 goals |
| Kenji Cabrera | Left/Attacking Winger | FBC Melgar → Vancouver (pending permit) | Advanced agreement | ≈ $1.2m USD | 26 apps: 9 goals, 4 assists |
📝 Summary
Pedro Vite’s departure to Pumas UNAM was finalized around July 18, 2025.
Vancouver are poised to bring in Kenji Cabrera as his likely on-field replacement.
Cabrera brings pace, goal threat, and creative promise—but the club may look to bolster further amid the offensive rebuild.
Let me know if you’d like a deeper dive into Cabrera’s playing style, career history, or projected role in the Whitecaps lineup!