Vancouver Whitecaps bolstered their defence this afternoon with the addition of Argentinian centre half Martin Bonjour.
The 26 year old defender was a free agent, and joins the Caps after being released by Uruguayan Primera División side Rampla Juniors.
Bonjour brings a wealth of experience to Vancouver, but there must also be some concern that he has had ten spells, with seven different clubs, in four different countries, in just nine years.
That's some bouncing around, but the reasons as to exactly why this has been is unknown to us at this time. You just never know what terms transfers and loan deals involve with a lot of South American players these days. With 9 goals in around 136 appearances though, he seems like a strong addition to the Whitecaps defence.
The signing takes the Whitecaps squad to 24, with Carolina goalkeeper Brad Knighton expected to be number 25.
With Bonjour taking up another international spot, and Martin Rennie's UK scouting trip and next week's MLS SuperDraft possibly adding further additions to the Caps squad, some cuts or trades should be expected soon and more questions will now inevitably be asked about Gambian DP flop Mustapha Jarju and Kiwi centre half Michael Boxall's futures in Vancouver.
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Bonjour began his professional career in 2003 with Argentinian Primera Division side Club Olympus. He had two spells with Olympus between 2003 and 2005, with a short loan period with his home town side Racing Club Carhue in 2004 splitting them up.
The defender then made the move to Uruguay towards the end of 2005 to join second division side Club Atlético Rentistas. Bonjour enjoyed two seasons with the Montevideo club before trying his hand in Europe for a short spell with Polish side Lech Poznan in 2006, where we believe he made around 20 appearances and scored no goals.
Bonjour returned to Rentistas for the 2007 season, before moving on again after making 34 appearances and scoring three goals during his time with the Uruguayans.
The move this time was to Peruvian First Division side Club Deportivo Universidad César Vallejo for the 2008 season, and he went on to make 19 goal-less appearances.
Returning to Uruguay, Bonjour joined Montevideo Primera Division side Rampla Juniors, where he remained from 2009 until the end of last year, scoring 5 goals in 52 appearances.
There was also a short loan spell with fellow Montevideon Primera side Liverpool FC last year, during the "closing championship" part of the season, which saw Bonjour make 10 appearances and score one goal.
It's hard to know just exactly what kind of player the Whitecaps have got in Martin Bonjour, but I am impressed with his scoring record as a central defender. That was something considerably lacking in the Whitecaps armoury last season.
Caps coach Martin Rennie is hopeful about what the Argentinian can bring to the team:
<i>"Martín is a powerful, aggressive central defender who is good in the air and comfortable on the ball. He adds additional quality to our defensive side and brings plenty of South American top-flight experience."</i>
Sounds good.
Bonjour is equally excited to be making the move to Canada and to MLS:
<i>"I am delighted to join Vancouver Whitecaps FC and embark on this new and exciting stage of my career in North America. I have heard many good things about Whitecaps FC and Major League Soccer, and plan to make an important contribution to my new club this season. I'm also looking forward to my new life in Canada and the beautiful city of Vancouver."</i>
And Whitecaps fans will welcome the Argentinian to the fold. If you don't want to wait to see what he can bring to the Caps, then there's a <a href="
With DeMerit, Carlyle and now Bonjour in the centre half position, it will be interesting to see what pairing Martin Rennie decides to go with as his favoured starters.
All three appear strong, so after last season's shambles and constant switching in that position, it's a nice headache to finally have.
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