The Vancouver Whitecaps seem to be losing a key piece.
U.S. men’s national team midfielder Sebastian Berhalter is reportedly finalizing a deal to transfer from Vancouver to EFL Championship team Middlesbrough, per The Athletic on Thursday.
Berhalter’s contract with the Whitecaps is up this winter and he’ll now seemingly be on the move during the summer transfer window. According to The Athletic, Middlesbrough will pay a $2-million transfer fee to acquire Berhalter after approximately six to 10 clubs pursued the USMNT member.
The 25-year-old was part of the United States’ World Cup squad earlier this summer, appearing in all five of the team’s matches. Berhalter made one start and scored against Turkey during the group stage, while also adding an assist.
Berhalter was recognized in the MLS Best IX in 2025 and also named as a league all-star in 2026. He logged five goals and 13 assists across all competitions last season and helped the Whitecaps to a Canadian Championship title, as well as both the Concacaf Champions Cup final and MLS Cup final.
Berhalter is now set to join fellow American midfielder Aidan Morris at Middlesbrough after previously spending time together as youth teammates with the Columbus Crew.