Whitecaps trade Manneh to Columbus for Tchani, $300K in allocation money

The Vancouver Whitecaps have orchestrated a blockbuster trade with the Columbus Crew, sending highly-touted winger Kekuta Manneh to Ohio in exchange for Tony Tchani, $225,000 in General Allocation Money, and $75,000 in Targeted Allocation Money.

Gambia-born Manneh, 22, has spent the last five seasons with Vancouver, recording 103 appearances, notching 22 goals, and 12 assists. He did not live in Canada, however, commuting into work out of Washington and subsequently earning U.S. citizenship over the last five years.

He joins a Crew side that relies heavily on wing play in support of Ola Kamara up top.

"We take pride in our identity as an attacking team, so we are excited to announce the addition of Kekuta Manneh, one of the most dynamic, young, offensive players in Major League Soccer and a new addition to the U.S. Soccer National Team program," Crew head coach Gregg Berhalter said in a club-issued statement.

"Kekuta complements the existing corps of attacking players on our roster and we expect him to play an important role with the club this season."

Meanwhile Tchani, 27, has a seven-year MLS career under his belt and joins a cast of central midfielders vying for a starting spot in Carl Robinson's side, having made 180 appearances across his time with Columbus, Toronto FC, and the New York Red Bulls.

"We have acquired an experienced, athletic, box-to-box player in Tony, who will help solidify our midfield," Robinson said in a club-issued statement. "Tony is someone I enjoyed working with during my time in New York and I'm excited to have him join our group.

"In addition, the allocation money provides further opportunity to strengthen our roster and depending on what's next for Kekuta, there is also the potential of additional returns."