Bernie Ibini: Sydney FC fan favourite headed to Major League Soccer club Vancouver White Caps

WINGER Bernie Ibini has brought his second spell with Sydney FC to a close, and is poised to sign a deal with MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps.

Bernie Ibini has been a favourite with Sydney FC fans. Picture: Getty Images

WINGER Bernie Ibini has brought his second spell with Sydney FC to a close, and is poised to sign a deal with MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps.

Ibini, who has been on loan at Sydney for the past season from Club Brugge, will join the Canadian team pending the passing of a medical and the lodging of the relevant paperwork before the MLS’s transfer window closes late on Tuesday (AEST).

Bernie Ibini has been a favourite with Sydney FC fans. Picture: Getty Images

However it remains to be seen when the medical will happen, as it’s believed the hamstring injury that kept him out of the Grand Final victory on Sunday is worse than believed and may require another two months of rest.

Sydney had nursed him back to fitness after he suffered an horrific training ground injury immediately upon joining Brugge from the Sky Blues in 2015, breaking his leg and rupturing ligaments.

Sydney FC's Bernie Ibini tore his hamstring in the semi-final against Perth Glory. Picture: AAP

He has been used almost exclusively off the bench this season, but is said to be keen to complete the move to Vancouver.

Sydney have agreed to release him immediately, with Brugge due to receive a transfer fee from the MLS side.

On Tuesday Sydney coach Graham Arnold said he anticipated only two or three changes to the squad that won the title on a penalty shootout from Melbourne Victory on Sunday night.

Originally published as Bernie Ibini: Sydney FC fan favourite headed to Major League Soccer club Vancouver White Caps