The Portland Timbers are looking to further strengthen their roster after a promising start to the 2024 MLS season. According to The Athletic’s Tom Bogert, Timbers are close to completing a transfer for Uruguayan forward Jonathan Rodriguez.
Rodriguez, also known under the nickname Cabecita, is currently playing for Liga MX side Club America. Timbers and America reportedly agreed to major elements of the transfer and are currently ironing out the finer details of the deal. Once the two sides make the deal official, Rodriguez is expected to sign a Designated Player deal.
Bogert adds that Timbers were also in contact with CF Monterrey about the availability of their star forward, German Berterame. However, after Monterrey rejected a reported $15 million bid, the MLS club turned its focus on Rodriguez.
Jonathan Rodriguez started his career in his native Uruguay with Penarol in 2013 before embarking on a short-lived stint in Europe with Benfica and Deportivo La Coruna. Since 2016, he has been playing in Liga MX, aside from an eight-game spell with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr in 2022. He also has 31 appearances with Uruguay national team.
In the 2023-24 season, Rodriguez played 25 games with America, scoring nine goals and adding three assists in all competitions.
Portland Timbers are currently sitting at the top of the Western Conference with seven points in three games.
