Tristan Blackmon arrived at Vancouver Whitecaps’ preseason camp in Marbella, completing his medical after missing a scheduled evaluation Wednesday. The MLS Defender of the Year was spotted in camp despite reported interest from Inter Miami CF, which Vancouver rejected earlier this month.

The Whitecaps dismissed a $3 million bid from Miami, signaling their intent to retain the 24-year-old center-back. Sporting director Axel Schuster confirmed talks for a new contract have started, though no deal is imminent. Blackmon’s current deal runs through 2027, and he earned $800,000 in guaranteed compensation last season.

Schuster emphasized that interest from Miami is standard during transfer windows and denied any improper contact between clubs. He noted similar situations with other players. Blackmon, a key figure in Vancouver’s run to both the Concacaf Champions League and MLS Cup finals last year, remains central to their defensive plans as they prepare for the 2026 season.