The Vancouver Whitecaps' bid to acquire Yokohama F. Marinos goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka is edging closer to completion, a source with knowledge of the talks confirmed to ESPN.
MLSsoccer.com's Tom Bogert was the first to report the news.
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The source added that while the negotiations aren't finished, the two sides are close to an agreement on a transfer fee, and that Takaoka's personal terms aren't expected to be an impediment to completing the deal.
Takaoka, 26, has spent parts of the last three seasons in Yokohama, helping the club to the 2022 J1 League championship, and earning a spot in the league's Best XI. Overall, Takaoka has made 85 league and cup appearances for Marinos, but the player is wanting a new challenge. Takaoka is also aiming to work his way into the Japan national team.
Takaoka made his professional debut with Yokohama FC, which at the time was in the J2 League. After becoming the team's regular keeper in 2017, he moved to the Japanese top flight with Sagan Tosu in 2019, making 52 league and cup appearances.
If a deal is completed, Takaoka will need to beat out incumbent Thomas Hasal, who made 17 appearances last season for the Whitecaps. Cody Cropper, who made 15 appearances in goal for the Caps didn't have his contract option picked up.
