Vancouver FC sign promising young attacker  Hugo Mbongue from MLS. 

Abbey Salam - July 23, 2025 11:53 AM

Golden Eagles Swoop for Mbongue as Squad Shuffle Continues

LANGLEY, BC – Vancouver FC made a significant move on Wednesday, announcing the acquisition of promising young attacker Hugo Mbongue on loan from Major League Soccer powerhouse Toronto FC. The 20-year-old Canadian international joins the Golden Eagles through the remainder of the 2025 Canadian Premier League season, a dynamic addition poised to bolster VFC's attack ahead of a crucial home fixture. This strategic signing, however, comes as Vancouver FC also bids farewell to two forwards, Alejandro Diaz and Mikaël Cantave, in a clear reshaping of their offensive ranks.

Hugo Mbongue: A Rising Canadian Talent

Born in Toronto, Hugo Mbongue's journey through professional soccer began within the esteemed Toronto FC academy, where he honed his skills from an early age. His progression through the ranks was swift, signing with Toronto FC II in May 2022 and making his senior team debut with TFC just five months later in October of the same year.

Mbongue's career has been characterized by consistent development and a knack for finding the net. With Toronto FC II in MLS NEXT Pro, he tallied an impressive 10 goals and seven assists across 43 appearances, showcasing his offensive prowess and playmaking ability. While his appearances for the senior TFC squad were limited to 14, they provided invaluable experience at the highest level of Canadian club soccer.

Prior to his move to Vancouver, Mbongue also gained valuable experience on loan in the USL Championship, first with San Antonio FC in 2024, where he scored three goals in 21 appearances, and most recently with Lexington SC. His diverse loan spells have provided him with exposure to different playing styles and competitive environments, preparing him for the demands of the CPL.

On the international stage, Mbongue has proudly represented Canada at both the U-15 and U-20 levels. Notably, he participated in the 2022 Concacaf U-20 Championship in Honduras, a testament to his standing as one of the nation's bright young prospects. His international experience will undoubtedly bring a level of composure and tactical awareness to the Vancouver FC squad.

A Shifting Landscape for Vancouver FC's Attack

The arrival of Mbongue signals a clear intent from Vancouver FC to refresh their attacking options. This comes as the club simultaneously announced the departures of two forwards.

Veteran striker Alejandro Diaz, who had only recently re-signed with VFC after his previous contract expired on June 30, 2025, will now embark on a loan to Pacific FC for the remainder of the 2025 CPL season. This agreement includes an option for Pacific FC to make the transfer permanent. Diaz's departure is particularly noteworthy given his history with Pacific FC, where he previously established himself as the club's all-time leading goal scorer and a CPL Golden Boot winner in 2022. His return to the Tridents will undoubtedly be a boost for Pacific, while Vancouver will be tasked with filling the void left by a proven CPL goalscorer. The decision to loan out a recently re-signed player suggests a strategic shift in Vancouver's long-term plans for their forward line, perhaps seeking a younger profile like Mbongue.

In a separate move, Vancouver FC and Mikaël Cantave mutually agreed to terminate his contract. Cantave's departure opens up another roster spot and further emphasizes Vancouver's active approach to squad management in the current transfer window.

The Interplay of Values and Ambitions

This trio of transactions highlights the inherent values and ambitions of each party involved.

For Vancouver FC, the acquisition of Mbongue represents a clear investment in youth and potential. As a relatively new club in the CPL, VFC is keen to build a sustainable future and cultivate emerging Canadian talent. Mbongue's versatility and international experience align perfectly with this vision. The departures of Diaz and Cantave, while perhaps difficult decisions, underscore a commitment to optimizing the squad and creating opportunities for new blood. The decision to loan Diaz with an option to buy suggests that while he was valued, his fit within the evolving VFC system might have been re-evaluated.

Toronto FC, on the other hand, is leveraging the loan system to provide crucial playing time for their promising academy products. With a crowded senior roster, loaning Mbongue to the CPL offers him a competitive environment where he can continue to develop and gain valuable professional minutes, something that might be harder to come by in MLS. This reflects TFC's commitment to player development, even if it means temporarily parting with talent.

For Hugo Mbongue, this move to Vancouver FC represents a significant opportunity. After various loan stints, he now has the chance to secure consistent playing time in a top-tier Canadian league. This move allows him to further hone his skills, gain confidence, and prove his worth as a leading attacker. The prospect of being a key player for Vancouver FC could be the catalyst for his continued growth and potentially a stronger return to MLS in the future. His ambition to be a regular starter and showcase his abilities aligns perfectly with Vancouver's need for a potent attacking threat.