Pacific FC has announced the signing of Dutch centre back Diego Konincks to a two-year contract, guaranteed through the 2027 season, marking the club’s first addition ahead of the 2026 Canadian Premier League Season.
The 25-year-old defender joins the Tridents following a successful loan spell with Valour FC during the 2025 campaign, where he quickly established himself as a reliable presence in the back line. A native of Montfoort, Netherlands, Konincks brings a blend of professional experience, leadership, and defensive consistency as Pacific looks to strengthen its squad heading into a new season.
Standing at six-foot-two, Konincks primarily operates as a centre back and is known for his composed presence on the ball and defensive versatility. He arrives on Vancouver Island after spending the past two seasons with Chicago Fire II in MLS NEXT Pro, where he made 43 appearances and scored three goals.
During the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro regular season, Konincks captained Chicago Fire II for the majority of the season, starting 18 of the 19 matches he featured in. In 2024, he started all 24 matches for the Chicago Fire II, with his performances earning him four short-term call-ups to the Chicago Fire first team.
Following his time in Chicago, Konincks was loaned to Valour FC for the remainder of the 2025 season. He made an immediate impact in Winnipeg, appearing in nine matches, logging 1,619 minutes, and scoring two goals while anchoring Valour’s defensive unit.
Pacific FC Head Coach James Merriman highlighted Konincks’ leadership qualities and competitive mindset as key factors in the club’s decision to sign him.
“Diego is a player who leads by example through his professionalism, and he has high standards and ambition,” said Merriman. “We need this type of player in our team — he’s hungry to improve, to win, and to drive us forward next season. I believe he’s a central defender with great potential, and he’s coming ready to work, fight, and make an immediate impact.”
Born and raised in the Netherlands, Konincks began his football journey at a young age, spending more than a decade developing within the Montvoort SV ‘19 youth system. His early years in the Dutch football environment helped shape his technical foundation, positional understanding, and comfort playing out from the back before he later made the move to North America to pursue a collegiate and professional pathway.
Before turning professional, Konincks developed through the collegiate ranks in the United States. He began his NCAA career with Campbell University in the Big South Conference before transferring to Saint Louis University, where he appeared in all 17 matches for the Billikens and scored four goals. His broader development pathway also includes time with Midland University, FC Florida U23, and other competitive environments that have helped shape his defensive profile.
Konincks now joins a young and promising Pacific FC backline that includes Juan Quintana, Kadin Chung, Christian Greco-Taylor, along with U SPORT players Eric Lajeunesse, Fin Tugwell, and newest defender draftee, Archie Tugwell. He will add experience, leadership, and stability to the group. His signing addresses a key area of focus for the club as it builds toward the 2026 season, with an emphasis on defensive depth and long-term squad continuity.
As Pacific FC’s first signing ahead of the 2026 season, Konincks represents an early step in the club’s offseason recruitment process, with further additions expected as preparations continue for the upcoming campaign.