Reports: Portland Timbers Finalizing Deal To Send Evander To FC Cincinnati For $12 Million
750 The Game Staff
Per multiple reports, the Portland Timbers are finalizing a deal to send star midfielder Evander to FC Cincinnati for $12 Million.
The MVP finalist from 2024 went public on social media with his distrust of team management following Portland’s dismal 5-0 defeat to rival Vancouver Whitecaps in the Wild Card game at Providence Park last October. General manager Ned Grabavoy publicly criticized Evander’s posts in his end of season press conference, and the offseason was filled with questions on Evander’s future with the club.
Now, it appears a decision has been made, as the Timbers will deal their 26-year-old playmaker within Major League Soccer to Cincinnati. The $12 Million in return is a record fee for Portland and one of the highest for any player transaction in league history.
Cincinnati had a disgruntled star player of their own in 2023 league MVP Luciano Acosta. Cincy sent Acosta to FC Dallas on Wednesday for $5 Million, clearing Cincinnati’s path to acquire Evander at the position.
Portland, meanwhile, have long reported to be in the process of acquiring 24-year-old midfielder David Da Costa from French tier-one side RC Lens. Acosta comes over to Portland for a reported $6 Million, and was seen with the club on Wednesday at the Coachella Valley Invitational, though the club has not yet officially announced the move.