Vancouver Whitecaps sign Efrain Juarez

The Vancouver Whitecaps have announced the signing of midfielder/defender Efrain Juarez from Mexican side Monterrey. 

Juarez, 29, has been signed using targeted allocation money and his contract runs through 2019, with a club option for 2020.

"We are very excited to add Efraín to our group,” Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson said in a club release.

“He’s an extremely talented player who has experience at the highest level, can play multiple positions, and fits the character type we want at our club.

"Efraín’s preferred position is in the middle of the park and that’s where I expect him to play the majority of minutes for us."

The Mexico City native has made 274 professional appearances with a variety of clubs, including Monterrey, Pumas and Club America in Mexico, Celtic in Scotland, and La Liga side Real Zaragoza.

Juarez has 39 caps with Mexico and started in the 2010 World Cup, but hasn't played for El Tri since 2012.