Vancouver Whitecaps FC signed Canadian international defenders David Edgar and Marcel de Jong to 18-month contracts on Monday.

Since joining the Newcastle United Academy at the age of 14, the Canadian has spent his entire playing career in Great Britain. The Kitchener, ON., native recorded nine goals in 211 appearances in England’s top divisions.

“I'm delighted to sign for Whitecaps FC and especially to be back in Canada," added Edgar. “After all my years in England, it has always been in my plans to come and be a part of MLS. I'm very excited for this next step in my career and to be a part of a fantastic organization like Whitecaps FC.”

The 29-year-old has represented Canada in 37 senior international caps, including the 2013 and 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cups.   

He was also part of the Canadian national team that qualified for the 2003 and 2005 FIFA Youth Championships, plus the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

The 29-year-old de Jong has been capped 45 times. A native of Newmarket, Ontario, de Jong most recently played for the Ottawa Fury of the North American Soccer League.

"We are very familiar with Marcel, both from playing against him and his years with the national team," said Whitecaps manager Carl Robinson in a release. "He's a good professional who brings additional experience and versatility to our squad."

De Jong has also spent time with Dutch sides Helmond Sport and Roda JC, as well as Bundesliga club Augsburg. He has MLS experience, having played last season with Sporting Kansas City.

"I'm excited to join Whitecaps FC," said de Jong in the release. "After seeing the atmosphere at BC Place when the men's national team hosted Honduras and Mexico, I knew I wanted to be a part of this club. I was teammates with Pa-Modou Kah in Holland, and a number of guys on the national team, so I'm looking forward to playing with them again."

The Whitecaps are next in action on Tuesday when they host Real Salt Lake at BC Place.