After lifting the MLS Cup trophy just last Sunday alongside Liam Ridgewell, former Portland Timbers captain Will Johnson is in search of a new club.
The Timbers are reportedly shopping Johnson, who is ready to leave Portland after three seasons. He has become expendable in the wake of Caleb Porter’s shifting of Darlington Nagbe into a central midfield role.
Johnson battled back from a broken leg suffered in 2014, and had some struggles fully recovering before returning to the starting lineup in midseason. He eventually lost his starting spot later in the year as Porter converted to a central midfield triangle consisting of Nagbe, Diego Valeri and Diego Chara, with Jack Jewsbury serving as the primary backup.
Goal USA has reported that both the Chicago Fire and Toronto FC have emerged this off-season as the clubs most interested in signing the Canadian national team midfielder.
In signing for Toronto, Johnson would be returning to the place of his birth to bring an MLS veteran presence to the high-spending side. It would also give him the opportunity to play alongside Michael Bradley, who spent time with Johnson at Heerenveen in the Netherlands.
Chicago is in desperate need of the hard-nosed play, experience, and attitude that Johnson could offer their midfield. New head coach Veljko Paunovic would have at his disposal a weapon on both sides of the ball, who could give the attacking talents that the Fire already possess freedom to ply their trade.
In 12 MLS starts with the Timbers in 2015, Johnson led his team to a record of 7-2-3.
What do you think of this development? Where would you like to see Johnson go in 2016?
Share your thoughts below.
will would thrive in a leadership role- going to TFC would make him a supplement to michael who is the MF leader bradley- if Will wants to be the leader in MF and try to change the fortunes of a franchise, chicago would be his best choice; if he wants to play in his home city for a team with some big names and maybe a shot at a MLS title in the next 2 years, then TFC has to be his choice
my guess is TFC
Speaking of Nagbe’s move centrally, how has he looked in this transition? Does the spot suit him well or would you prefer him on a wing still?
I’d like to see him in Chicago, add a guy with a lot of league experience for the new coach and technical director. Give their midfield some bite too.
He’d fill a Revs need perfectly