Tristan Blackmon is not headed to Inter Miami. In fact, he’s not being sold at all.
So says Vancouver Whitecaps sporting director Axel Schuster in a statement given to The Athletic’s Tom Bogert.
Bogert had reported earlier that the MLS Cup champions had made a $3 million bid to the Whitecaps for the 29-year-old United States defender.
“As previously communicated, since the end of last season several clubs from both domestic and international markets have contacted us to express interest in our players,” Schuster said. “We view this interest as a positive confirmation of the quality and appeal of our team. However, we have neither actively sought nor do we intend to seek the sale of any additional players. On the contrary, our clear objective is to keep the current group together and further strengthen it, in order to compete with a strong and competitive team again next season. Therefore, we firmly reject reports suggesting that we are close to completing the transfer of any of our players. The situation is, in fact, the exact opposite.”
Blackmon joined the Whitecaps from Los Angeles FC in 2022. Over four seasons, Blackmon has made 108 appearances for the team. This past season, Blackmon’s performances earned him an MLS All-Star nod, a place in the MLS Best XI and the honour of MLS Defender of the Year.
Internationally, Blackmon made his USMNT debut in September, appearing in a pair of friendlies.
Tbe Whitecaps have already been busy with departures since falling to Inter 3-1 in the MLS Cup Final. Canada winger Jayden Nelson was traded to Austin FC last month before international teammate Ali Ahmed was sold to Championship side Norwich City earlier this week.
