-
Jeff Carlisle
Vancouver Whitecaps defender and reigning MLS Defender of the Year, Tristan Blackmon, has reportedly failed to report to the club’s preseason camp, sources confirmed to ESPN.
A spokesperson for the Whitecaps mentioned that players were expected to be in Vancouver by Tuesday night, with physical examinations set for Wednesday.
Subsequent sources verified that Blackmon did not attend his scheduled physical.
The initial report regarding Blackmon’s absence came from The Athletic.
The situation involves a contract dispute among Vancouver, Blackmon, and Inter Miami CF, which has made a $3 million cash transfer proposal to acquire the defender. However, following the reports of this offer, initially highlighted by the Miami Herald, Whitecaps sporting director Axel Schuster firmly denied any intention to part ways with Blackmon, stating that the club is eager to retain him.
Last season, Blackmon was a key player for the Whitecaps, contributing to their progress to the finals of the Concacaf Champions League and MLS Cup.
However, sources have informed ESPN that contract negotiations between Blackmon and the Whitecaps have hit a standstill. According to MLS Players Association data, Blackmon earned $800,000 in guaranteed compensation last season, ranking him 37th amongst MLS center-backs.
Blackmon’s career has flourished since joining Vancouver in 2022 after a four-year tenure with LAFC. In addition to being named Defender of the Year in 2025, he also earned All-Star honors and made his debut for the United States national team last September.