Diego Valeri won’t be leaving Portland Timbers after all. The team announced on Monday that they had reached a contract agreement with Valeri that will keep Argentinian midfielder with the organization for years to come. The deal was made using Targeted Allocation Money (TAM).
There was a lot of speculation about Valeri’s future in recent months, considering he was out of contract following the end of the 2019 season. While it was believed that the 33-year-old considered playing for another MLS team or moving abroad, Timbers made a push to keep him in Portland. The two sides had extensive negotiations in the past weeks and managed to work out a deal.
“Diego is a Timbers legend and we couldn’t be happier that he and his family will remain in the Rose City,” said Timbers general manager Gavin Wilkinson. “Not only has Diego been a leader in MLS over his career, he has become a local icon who is tremendously important to the club, the fans and the City of Portland. We look forward to raising another Cup with him.”
Valeri had another great season with Timbers in 2019, playing 31 games and contributing with eight goals and 16 assists.
“I am happy to extend my contract with the Portland Timbers,” – said Valeri after inking the deal. “I would like to thank all the people involved to make it happen as I always expected. I have a special mention for [my wife] Florencia, [my daughter] Connie, and our fans who have warmly supported me throughout the years. It’s an immense honor to play for them.”
Diego Valeri joined Portland Timbers in 2013 and has since played more than 230 games with the team in all competitions. He scored 82 goals and dished 88 assists in MLS in the process. Valeri helped Timbers win the MLS cup in 2015 and has an MLS MVP award from 2017.
