Canadian Sensation Poised for Major European Move Following MLS Breakthrough—Report
Canadian national team winger Ali Ahmed is set to depart Vancouver Whitecaps FC for Norwich City in England's Championship, as he prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup that Canada will co-host with the United States and Mexico.
Per TSN's Matthew Scianitti, the attacking midfielder is presently in England and completed his medical examination with the club on Friday before finalizing a two-year contract, marking his first professional move outside North America.
Ahmed was instrumental for the Whitecaps during 2025, recording 11 assists across 27 regular season and playoff appearances, before netting a goal in the MLS Cup final despite Vancouver's 3–1 defeat to Lionel Messi's Inter Miami. His strike made him only the second Canadian player to score in an MLS Cup final.
For the national team, the Whitecaps Academy graduate has contributed one goal and four assists, starting 16 of the past 22 fixtures under head coach Jesse Marsch, positioning him as a strong candidate to feature on the left flank with Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies operating at left-back during the World Cup.
The 25-year-old still had one season left on his MLS deal, ensuring Vancouver will collect a transfer fee for his departure. According to Manuel Veth, the initial amount is approximately $2.3 million, plus performance bonuses and a future sale percentage.
He previously attracted European attention, with Schalke 04 from the 2. Bundesliga showing interest, but chose to remain with Vancouver through the conclusion of the 2025 MLS campaign.
Recognized for his intense pressing style and individual skill on the ball, he has demonstrated excellent ability to penetrate defensive lines during counter-attacks while maintaining solid defensive contributions.
"When we're pressing, it's like having an extra player on the pitch. Really," Marsch commented about Ahmed in November, before he received recognition as a finalist for Canada Soccer's Player of the Year Award in 2025.
"He can cover ground. He's intelligent in his position. He's aggressive when he goes after things. He's adapted and learned exactly what we need out of him in that position. Because of that, he's been an incredible addition and an incredible boost to everything we do."
Canaries Looking to Avoid Relegation, Whitecaps Move On
Born in Toronto, Ahmed would continue a tradition of Canadians representing the Canaries, following Paul Peschisolido's short stint with the club in 2005 and Jimmy Brennan's three-year spell from 2003 to 2006. He would also team up with American striker Josh Sargent as another Concacaf representative in the roster.
Currently positioned 22nd in the Championship and fighting to avoid dropping to League One, Norwich reportedly view Ahmed as a potential starter to improve their performance level. Through 25 matches, the Canaries have managed just 28 goals, ranking as the eighth-lowest scoring team in the division.
In MLS, the Whitecaps will rely on their squad depth and the January transfer market to continue competing for MLS Cup and the Concacaf Champions Cup in 2026. Currently, Scotland World Cup prospect and Whitecaps Designated Player Ryan Gauld is expected to step up after missing most of 2025 due to a knee problem.
Ahmed will likely return to the Whitecaps' home venue, BC Place, in June, as the stadium is scheduled to host Canada's World Cup Group B matches against Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24, following their tournament kickoff in Toronto on June 12 against either Italy, the world's 12th-ranked nation, or Wales, Bosnia and Herzegovina, or Northern Ireland.