The Vancouver Whitecaps have sent striker Fabian Espindola to Liga MX side Necaxa on Wednesday, just one week after acquiring him for general allocation money from D.C. United in a trade that sent Patrick Mullins to United from New York City FC.
Espindola is seventh among active MLS goalscorers with 64 regular-season goals over 10 seasons in the league. He has 73 goals and 42 assists in 252 appearances in all competitions.
"We acquired Fabian last week as we felt he would be a good addition to our team," said Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson. "After we finalized the trade, we were presented with an offer from Club Necaxa, which provides us with a significant amount of allocation money, and puts us in a better position than we were prior to this trade.
"We discussed the offer with Fabian and he agreed to the move. We will continue to look for another attacking player, as we are always looking to improve our club for the short, medium, and long term."
ICYMI:#VWFC have transferred Fabian Espindola to Mexican side Club Necaxa: https://t.co/2updxaPHtv pic.twitter.com/zHpdgin3zw
- Vancouver Whitecaps (@WhitecapsFC) July 27, 2016
The 31-year-old first joined MLS with Real Salt Lake in 2007. He spent the 2013 season with the New York Red Bulls and the past two and a half seasons with D.C. United. He has started 10 of 15 regular-season games this season, scoring four goals and adding an assist.
"I was preparing for my move to Vancouver -- which I know is a great city -- when we were presented with an offer to sign with Club Necaxa," said Espindola. "This new deal gives my family security and stability as my previous contract was set to expire at the end of this season. I am thankful to Whitecaps FC and wish them all the best."
The Whitecaps now have the DP spot to fill after Octavio Rivero moved to Chilean side Colo-Colo earlier this month.