TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Transfer
Vancouver Whitecaps FC have transferred midfielder Sebastian Berhalter to EFL Championship aspect Middlesbrough FC and retain a sell-on proportion, the membership introduced Tuesday.
The 25-year-old US worldwide departs for a reported $2 million charge. He was out of contract following the 2026 season.
This summer time, Berhalter represented the USMNT in 5 matches on the 2026 FIFA World Cup and have become the first MLS player to tally a objective and an help in a World Cup match.
Berhalter has earned MLS All-Star honors the final two years and made the 2025 MLS Best XI. This season, Berhalter led Vancouver with 13 objective contributions (6g/7a).
“Sebastian joined us at a pivotal stage of his young career, and through his hard work and dedication, he earned every opportunity with both club and country,” mentioned Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director.
“We are extremely happy with what he has completed and the function he has performed in our success. His journey is one other robust instance of the pathway we offer for gamers with the precise mentality, self-discipline, and work ethic to attain the best stage.
“Everyone on the membership is grateful for Sebastian’s contributions throughout his time in Vancouver, and we want him each success on this subsequent chapter of his profession.
MLS rise
Berhalter strikes to Europe following six-and-a-half years in MLS, starting as a Columbus Crew homegrown participant earlier than being loaned to Austin FC.
He rose to stardom in Vancouver, producing 20g/26a in 167 matches since becoming a member of the membership via trade forward of the 2022 season.
Berhalter loved a breakout 2025 marketing campaign as Vancouver reached MLS Cup and Concacaf Champions Cup finals, as well as to successful a fourth straight Canadian Championship title.
“I am so thankful to all the fans, staff, coaches, management, and my teammates,” mentioned Berhalter. “I’ve referred to as this place dwelling for the final 4 and a half years, and I would not have had it every other means. The reminiscences and the relationships I’ve constructed right here will final a lifetime, and seeing how a lot this membership has grown makes me so proud.
“I’m extremely grateful that this membership took me in as a boy and helped me develop right into a younger man. I’ll be a Whitecap endlessly. Thank you from the underside of my coronary heart for all the pieces.”
USMNT profile
Berhalter’s rise with Vancouver led to USMNT alternatives, as head coach Mauricio Pochettino included the midfielder in his 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup and 2026 World Cup squads.
He has two objectives in 18 caps, including a two-way presence alongside the likes of Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie and Malik Tillman.
At Middlesbrough, Berhalter joins fellow Crew homegrown and USMNT midfielder Aidan Morris. The membership additionally has former Charlotte FC middle again Adilson Malanda.
READ MORE: MLS Transfer Tracker
