Timbers reportedly close to new deal for Diego Valeri, but officially do not extend his contract option for 2020
The Portland Timbers announced Thursday they did not exercise the contract option for midfielder and longtime star Diego Valeri for the 2020 season.
In a press release detailing roster updates for next year, the Timbers said they remain in discussions with Valeri about returning next year. A report from The Athletic’s Sam Stejskal suggests the two sides are nearing in on a deal.
Sources: The Timbers and Diego Valeri are nearing a new deal to keep the club legend in Portland. Not clear if Fernandez’s exit changed calculus on DP/TAM. I’ve reported and Timbers publicly hinted a couple times since end of season that they didn’t plan to sign him as DP.
— Sam Stejskal (@samstejskal) November 19, 2019
From the press release –
TIMBERS ANNOUNCE ROSTER STATUS AHEAD OF 2020 SEASON
T2 announce roster moves ahead of 2020 campaign
PORTLAND, Ore. – Following the conclusion of the 2019 season, the Portland Timbers today announced their current roster status for the 2020 season.
Players already under contract for the 2020 season include: goalkeepers Jeff Attinella and Aljaz Ivacic; defenders Julio Cascante, Marco Farfan, Larrys Mabiala, Bill Tuiloma, Jorge Villafaña; midfielders Dairon Asprilla, Sebastián Blanco, Diego Chara, Tomás Conechny, Andrés Flores, Marvin Loría, Andy Polo, Eryk Williamson and Renzo Zambrano; and forward Jeremy Ebobisse.
As previously announced, midfielder Sebastián Blanco has re-signed with the club as a Designated Player, while defender Dario Zuparic has signed a multi-year contract using Targeted Allocation Money (TAM).
Defender Jorge Moreira remains on loan with the Timbers from Argentina Super Liga side Rive Plate after having his loan extended six months. Midfielder Cristhian Paredes’ loan from Liga MX side Club América expires at the end of the year but the club remains in discussions to bring the player back next season.
The club has extended a bona fide offer to goalkeeper Steve Clark for the upcoming season.
The Timbers did not exercise the 2020 contract option on midfielder Diego Valeri, but remain in discussions with him for the 2020 season.
Portland declined the options of goalkeeper Kendall McIntosh, defender Modou Jadama and forward Foster Langsdorf. All three players in addition to defender Claude Dielna are out of contract.
Additionally, T2, the USL Championship affiliate of the Portland Timbers, announced that the club has exercised the 2020 contract options on goalkeeper Jake Leeker and defender Niko De Vera. Defenders Harold Hanson and Max Ornstil and midfielder Carlos Anguiano are already under contract for 2020.