By J.J. DUKE
The Portland Timbers were looking for a playmaker to spearhead their attack, and after a lengthy search, they landed an exciting option in Argentine Diego Valeri, who joins the Timbers on loan for the 2013 season as a Designated Player.
The 26-year old featured for Argentine First-Division side Club Atlético Lanús from 2003-2009 as well as 2011-2012. He featured in 158 matches and has scored 25 goals and was the team captain and led his side to the 2012 Copa Libertadores Round of 16, the club’s best ever finish.
“Valeri is a tremendous acquisition and his desire to join the Portland Timbers was an integral part in getting him on loan,” said Timbers general manager Gavin Wilkinson. “At his age and with his ability, we expect to be in a position to purchase this player and make him a permanent fixture in Portland.”
Here are some more moves made by MLS teams on a busy Thursday around the league:
FC DALLAS SIGN PERUVIAN GK FERNANDEZ
The Hoops made a strong move to bolster their goalkeeping corps today as they signed Peruvian international and former Ligue 1 ‘keeper Raul Fernandez.
While the 27-year-old hasn’t seen much time with French side Nice over the past few seasons, he featured with Peruvian side Universitario between 2005 through 2011, making over 140 starts. He also has started in six of Peru’s nine 2014 World Cup Qualifiers.
This signing will eliminate any need for FC Dallas to add a third goalkeeper. And the club hopes that Fernandez will share experience towards Chris Seitz to get the top goalkeeping spot for 2013.
SPORTING KC CONFIRM ZUSI TRAINING WITH WEST HAM
Before Graham Zusi heads off to join the US National Team in Los Angeles next week, he is spend the week in London with Premier League side West Ham. Sporting KC confirmed the training stint on Thursday, after days of speculation about Zusi’s time with the Hammers.
While many do not know if this stint is for training purpose or for a future move, Zusi will have the opportunity to impress Hammers boss Sam Allardyce for the next few days.
Zusi is also joining fellow US National Team teammate Juan Aguadelo at West Ham before the pair head back to join the January National Team camp later this week.
SOUNDERS CONFIRM MONTERO DEAL CLOSE
While many Seattle Sounders fans are assuming that striker Fredy Montero’s loan to Millonarios of Colombia is complete, the 25-year old may have jumped the gun on the news.
Sounders owner and general manager Adrain Hanauer confirmed today that the loan deal is nearly done, a day after Montero tweeted a supposed farewell to Sounders fans Wednesday with him leaving an airport.
Sources confirmed to SBI a week ago that the deal had been agreed to in principle, with the final thing to be sorted out being
KIROVSKI NAMED GALAXY TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Former U.S. Men’s National Team player and long-time MLS veteran Jovan Kirosvki has been appointed the new technical director for the Los Angeles Galaxy, becoming the first person to hold the position for the Galaxy.
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What do you think of these moves? See Valeri being a star for the Timbers? Think Zusi could help West Ham? Skeptical about FC Dallas replacing Kevin Hartman with Gonzalez?
Share your thoughts below