What areas should the Vancouver Whitecaps target in this off-season?

With the Whitecaps season coming to a close on November 5th after a 1-0 defeat to LAFC. Now it is another opportunity to further build this squad, and make improvements to contend for the MLS Cup next season. It is another off-season where they go to the drawing board, and make some pivotal decisions on who should be replaced, and what needs to be improved. The he Whitecaps board and Axel Schuster (Whitecaps Sporting Director) to push them over the hump.

Weaknesses

Firstly, we need to notice the weaknesses that occured in the Whitecaps 2023 season. With them improving and heading the right direction, but still not really close to the cup that they fell in the first round. But you can feel the franchise is going in the right direction, especially with the potential that they have displayed at certain moments. At the end, they just lacked a bit of ideal passing and some overhit passes costed the Caps heavily. Now passing might be one of the strength's for Vancouver, as playmakers like Gauld and Laryea really have a impact in their ability to place balls. Some supporters think that White is at times not as clinical as you would prefer him to be, after starting off the season subpar, the American striker has really turned it up and played excellent during the second half of the season.

While a very big weakness in the previous season, was set pieces defending. With it coming to haunt us in Game 1 of the First Round. Which ultimately gave LAFC the momentum necessary to close it out. Whose fault is it? I am actually unsure of this question. But there are a couple of areas, that while defending a set-piece that needs improvement. Someone that is reliable in the air, he can consistently win you headers comfortably to stop the opposition from being able to test the goalkeeper. Another weakness during the set-piece defending is that, the Whitecaps struggle to decide if or if not to clear the ball. They are usually quite indecisive in that department.

One more weakness for the Vancouver Whitecaps, they had a lot of hardship with capitalize when controlling the game. In the most recent campaign, probably a pretty big portion of the matches the Whitecaps were primarily playing with the momentum. They usually were controlling the flow of the match, getting all the opportunities you can ask for. Just straight up, demolishing their opponents with their play and just controlling and having the upper hand. A huge chunk of the moments where the Whitecaps had glimpses of total domination, they failed to utilize it during that stint of fear and the sense of danger that the Whitecaps brung. Time when the Whitecaps are just constantly pushing their opponents, the Vancouver Whitecaps at times struggle to score. Which was a really major factor to why the Caps couldn't get a more optimal seeding for the standings. Because the Whitecaps didn't succeed in capitalizing during the stints that the team is crushing the opposition, when you mostly have possession and are getting multiple good opportunities, and cannot bury one. That could and in multiple cases did cost the Whitecaps in the 2023 season.

Re-signing?

While most of the Whitecaps players with options have already been decided. Most importantly out of the bunch is Blackmon's option being exercised (2024 and 2025) and Raposo's option is also exercised (2024). While some others also had their options chosen. But the two Canadians (Hoilett and Laryea) both contracts didn't have an option included, so the Whitecaps cannot ensure they can bring them back simply. Laryea coming from a loan from Nottingham Forest, the Whitecaps will have to negotiate for a price tag and officially sign him back on a permanent transfer. While Hoilett's future with the franchise is looking really uncertain. With not many thoughts or rumours talking about a return for Junior Hoilett. As he didn't look impressive, and wasn't utilized much. So depending on how much the Whitecaps are willing to offer, with Hoilett needing to agree upon the wages. His brief and mediocre stint with the club, it didn't seem like his contributions were enough to earn him a second contract. While MLS might be considering adding a fourth DP spot for each club, with Cordova being acquired in the previous off-season then being let go in September, 2023. The Whitecaps will have one open Designated Player spot anyways, to possibly get Laryea here in Vancouver permanently. Or to invest in another player, but then Laryea will either have to go or be satisfied with maybe a TAM or GAM? It will be more optimal if the MLS added an extra DP, so the Whitecaps can keep Laryea and sign one more Designated Player to enforce the squad for the upcoming season.

Targets

Now, my knowledge on the other leagues isn't too enhanced and I aren't the most knowledgeable in that department. There has been loud rumours that there is various different sources, where a newly implemented 4th DP may possibly be in play in the off-season. But after those two key weaknesses, that cost the Whitecaps a better position. As I have mentioned, I believe they should bring make Laryea. He made an vital impact, and adapted pretty well at the end. I do believe that the Whitecaps will find a way to sign him permanently, (assuming Nottingham Forest doesn't want him anymore). While Gressel left in mid-July, that role never felt filled. Because Gressel's integrity and attributes seems completely different to Laryea. Both being outstanding at aspects, but Gressel was extremely competent and played fantastic before his departure. In his number "8" role, he adapted to that position with perfection. Now Vanni Sartini has already attempted Laryea to play in the central midfield, playing more narrow than he is used to. While negotiations are most likely ongoing for Laryea, the Whitecaps might need a plan B if they don't succeed in bringing in Richie Laryea permanently. With Sartini's preference in trying and being open-minded with the structures and styles of play that could be attempted. In my preferences, I believe a center-back should be signed one that has the ability to be composed and is generally good with their passing play. Because in the previous season, some unneeded mistakes were committed. So someone that can control the game from the backline, that also has the ability to be vital and aggressive being a key defensive presence for this team. To conclude that, I would like a center-back who is great with his feet, while filling a key defensive presence in the backline and being difficult to break down. Someone that is competent and can really tighten this Vancouver Whitecaps defense. With the potential permanent signing of Laryea, those two roles could already have been prepared before the 2024 campaign began. Meanwhile, I believe there should be one more transfer taking place after that. Something that would possibly push Vancouver over the edge. Is that center-midfielder role, with nobody in those spots being super reliable of defense. Both Ahmed and Vite being really attacking-minded players. Both love to go forward and immensely contribute to the team attacking. While Schopf has been average for most of his time at Vancouver, never really displaying anything too out of the ordinary. So a possible transfer target for Vancouver could be a versatile midfielder. That is a bit more defensive-minded while being a part of potentially setting the players up. Someone that has shown defensive capabilities, while also being effective offensively. That traditional number "8" role, but maybe a bit more versatile and exale at percission and having the vision and IQ to make plays for his teammates. Someone that isn't a "superstar" but would still be crucial and have a major effect for this team potentially.

Something that is also a pretty interesting factor, and is something that may have been a cause on Cordova's departure. Takaoka and Cordova, despite the agreements took quite a while to officially sign due to issues with some immigration stuff (I believe). It would be very ideal, if the players the Whitecaps will bring in this off-season will be prepared and rolling with the team in preseason. To have connections and chemistry with this team, for Vanni Sartini to try and get the best out of the player right at the start of the season. As players usually fits best when they have initial time to be prepared and has time to train with the team, have different bonds and learn the style of play and getting to build chemistry and morale between his teammates. That could be decisive for the beginning of the season, something that the Whitecaps struggles with last season.