MLS Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Whitecaps FC Sign Norwegian Defender Bjørn Inge Utvik

Published on January 30, 2024 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release


VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Tuesday that the club has signed Norwegian centre back Bjørn Inge Utvik to a contract through 2025, with a club option for 2026, pending receipt of his international transfer certificate and medical. Utvik will occupy an international roster spot.

"We are excited to welcome Bjørn and his family to the club and city" said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director. "Bjørn brings a lot of experience and leadership to our group. In addition to being aggressive in the air, he wins a lot of duels overall and he is also comfortable on the ball in possession."

Whitecaps FC defender Bjørn Inge Utvik

Started 30 of his 31 appearances across all competitions in 2023, adding four goals and two assists

Captained Sarpsborg 08 FF during the last two seasons

Top 10 in interceptions during 2021 Eliteserien campaign with 47

240 appearances at the professional club level

"From the first meeting I had with the club, I got a really good feeling," added Utvik. "Now, I'm looking forward to arriving in Vancouver, seeing my new city, and of course playing my first game at BC Place. I will do everything for this club, my teammates, and supporters with the goal of winning trophies together."

Catch Utvik at BC Place in 2024! Limited Whitecaps FC season memberships and Golden Era Packs remain available, for more information, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets, call 604.669.9283 ext. 1, or email sales@whitecapsfc.com.

Utvik, 27, spent the last six seasons playing in his native Norway for Sarpsborg 08 FF, starting 128 of his 136 appearances in Eliteserien, NM Cup, and Europa League competition. The defender, who's captained the side over the last two seasons, recorded eight goals and six assists during his time with the club.

In 2023, Utvik started 30 of his 31 appearances across all competitions for Sarpsborg, adding four goals and two assists as the side finished eighth in the Eliteserien table.

Prior to joining Sarpsborg, Utvik played five seasons for fellow Norwegian outfit Sogndal IL. The defender made 78 starts and 103 appearances for the side, scoring six goals and supplying seven assists.

Utvik originally started his career in the youth academy of FK Haugesund and went on to sign with the first team ahead of the 2012 season. His only appearance for the club was his professional debut against his hometown side Avaldsnes IL during the first round of the 2012 NM-Cup, starting at centre back as Haugesund captured a 7-1 victory.

In his youth, Utvik represented Norway from the U-15 to U-21 levels, making 38 appearances.

TRANSACTION: On January 30, 2024, Whitecaps FC sign defender Bjørn Inge Utvik to a contract through 2025, with a club option for 2026.

Bjørn Inge Utvik

Pronunciation: bee-ORN IN-guh ut-VEK

Position: Centre Back

Height: 6-00

Weight: 175 pounds

Date of Birth: February 28, 1996, in Avaldsnes, Norway

Hometown: Avaldsnes, Norway

Citizenship: Norwegian

Status: International

Previous Clubs: Sarpsborg 08 FF (2018-23), Sogndal IL (2013-17), FK Haugesund (2011-12)

Instagram: @bjorningeutvik

Twitter: @BjornIngeUtvik

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Major League Soccer Stories from January 30, 2024


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