Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced Sunday the transfer of winger Ali Ahmed to Norwich City FC, a club competing in England’s Championship, the country’s second tier. As part of the deal, the Whitecaps will retain a sell-on percentage should the player be transferred again in the future.
The move closes a significant chapter for Ahmed in Major League Soccer and marks his first professional stint in European football, as the Canadian international takes the next step in his career.
Whitecaps cite long-term planning and player development
Whitecaps sporting director Axel Schuster said interest from European clubs had been ongoing since last summer and intensified in recent months.
“Once Ali made it clear that he wanted a new experience outside of MLS and that a contract extension would not be possible, we had to act,” Schuster said. “This transfer gives us flexibility to invest in the squad as we build toward 2026 and beyond.”
Schuster also highlighted Ahmed’s development path, noting that the Toronto native arrived outside the traditional system and evolved into a regular starter for Canada’s men’s national team and a reliable contributor in key matches.
Ali Ahmed’s rise with Vancouver Whitecaps
Born in Toronto, Ontario, Ahmed first joined the Whitecaps’ development system in 2019. He returned to the club in 2021, signed his first professional contract in 2022 with Whitecaps FC 2, and later earned a senior MLS deal.
Across all competitions, Ahmed recorded:
- 102 appearances
- Eight goals
- 16 assists
- Multiple decisive performances in domestic and international tournaments
Central figure in historic title runs
Ahmed played a major role in one of the most successful periods in club history. He helped Vancouver win three consecutive TELUS Canadian Championship titles in 2023, 2024 and 2025, earning the George Gross Memorial Trophy as tournament MVP.
He was also a key contributor during the Whitecaps’ runs to the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup final and the 2025 MLS Cup final, cementing his status as one of the club’s most influential players.
Growing presence with Canada’s national team
Strong club performances translated to the international stage. Ahmed made his debut for Canada’s men’s national team in June 2023 at the Concacaf Gold Cup and has since earned 22 international caps, establishing himself as part of the country’s emerging core.
