Two weeks after it was reported, the Portland Timbers have officially signed Colombian Jose Adolfo Valencia as a Designated Player.
The 19-year-old Valencia joins Portland pending the succesful completion of a physical, the Timbers announced on Thursday.
Valencia, who is the son of former Colombian international and ex-New York/New Jersey Metrostars player Adolfo 'El Tren' Valencia, shone for Colombia's U-20 national team in 2011. He helped the Colombians reach the quarterfinals at the U-20 World Cup and helped them win the Toulon Tournament in France.
Considered to be one of the best prospects in the Colombian pipeline, Valencia becomes the Timbers’ second Designated Player, joining midfielder and compatriot Diego Chara.
Per club and league policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
What do you think of Portland acquiring Valencia? Think its a good move by the Timbers to have signed him as a DP? Expecting him to earn a starting spot by the time the season starts?
Share your thoughts below.
Tony in Quakeland stole your thunder
I like that a DP signing is going to an up and coming young player, rather then a washed up old european player.
I assume his DP status has to do with two things.
The Young DP rule and a transfer fee. Very doubt his wage will be above 300k.
Transfer
loan or transfer?
Great move. The Colombian connection continues. The Jelly will be roaring in 2012. RCTID!
Ho-hum. Another washed up, aging European looking for a retirement…uh, wait…
This is a pretty significant signing for the league. This young dp rule is looking good already with this and Dallas’ castillo….
Hope it works out well for both.
Big pick-up by Portland. He should an MLS star in no time.
On other matters, Cascadia rival Vancouver gets Nguyen. The West is getting even more competitive.
Finally, Houston fans get a shout-out from…Iker Casillas, with a YouTube welcome to the BBVA family.
Excited to see what the young man brings to the table. Not sure if he can get a ton of time on the pitch with cooper, perlza, and nagbe all playing minutes up top. I just hope we can develop him and sell him for big money to Europe in 3 or 4 years.