Defender Ranko Veselinovic agreed to a contract extension with Vancouver Whitecaps FC, keeping him with the club through 2026.

The deal, announced Wednesday, includes a club option for 2027.

The 24-year-old joined Vancouver in February 2020 on a one-year loan from Serbian SuperLiga club FK Vojvodina, and the club later acquired him on a permanent transfer. Since 2020, he leads the Whitecaps with the most starts (101) and games played (109).

“Ranko has made tremendous strides since joining our club in 2020 and has been a staple in our backline over the last three plus years,” said Axel Schuster, sporting director.

“We are pleased that we were able to reach an agreement and we now look forward to seeing him continue his growth as a leader in our group on and off the pitch as he helps us achieve our goals for this year and beyond.”

In 21 games this season, he has two goals and one assist.

Before arriving in Vancouver, Veselinovic played only with FK Vojvodina in his hometown in Serbia, joining the club in 2017.

The Whitecaps also acquired wingback Richie Laryea on loan from Premier League side Nottingham Forest.

Laryea, 28, previously played in MLS with Toronto FC (2019-23) and Orlando City SC (2016-18), tallying 10 goals and 14 assists in 116 matches (88 starts).

He also played made three appearances for his native Canada at the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup.

“Richie is a winner, competitor, leader and has proven to be one of the best fullbacks in our league,” Schuster said in a statement. “Since the end of 2021, he has played in every single national team game, including all three World Cup games.”

–Field Level Media