Egyptian midfielder Aly Ghazal has completed his move to Canadian side Vancouver Whitecaps, the club announced on their official website on Thursday. "The club has signed central midfielder Aly Ghazal with the use of Targeted Allocation Money," read a statement on the club's website. Whitecaps FC are a Canadian professional football team based in Vancouver, British Columbia that competes in Major League Soccer (MLS). The 25-year-old, who terminated his contract with Chinese side Guizhou Hengfeng Zhicheng by mutual consent, has agreed to a one-year contract with the Canadian side. "Aly is a top midfield player who is comfortable on the ball and strong defensively," Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson told the club's official website on Thursday. "He fits into the way we want to play, has a lot of experience at a great age, and brings leadership qualities. We are looking forward to welcoming Aly to our club and city." Ghazal started his European career in 2013 when he joined Portuguese side Nacional from Egyptian outfit Wadi Degla. He left Nacional in last January for Guizhou Hengfeng Zhicheng, but he failed to establish himself with his new club. "When I left China, I had different options to consider, but the decision was made easier after speaking with manager Robinson," Ghazal told the Whitecaps website. "I felt his big trust in my game as well as how it would suit Vancouver's style of play, and this was a very important factor. I also did my own research and what attracted me even more to Vancouver was the great atmosphere around the club and the supporters,” he said. "I am very much looking forward to this exciting opportunity to play in Major League Soccer for a quality club."
