Timbers sign Brazilian international Evander as designated player

The Portland Timbers have acquired Brazilian midfielder Evander in a full transfer from Denmark’s top-tier league Danish Superliga side FC Midtjylland, the club announced today. Under contract through 2026 with a club option in 2027, Evander will occupy a Designated Player spot and an international spot on the roster, pending a physical and a receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 visa. The team acquired Evander for a club-record transfer fee.

“We are thrilled to announce the acquisition and signing of our new Designated Player, Evander,” said Ned Grabavoy, Timbers technical director. “It was clear from the beginning stages of this process that this was a great opportunity for both Evander and the Portland Timbers. He is a player with natural ability, capable of making an impact, and has already proven himself at a good standard. We see him as an integral part of the club’s future and look forward to seeing him in Green and Gold soon.”

Evander, 24, joins the Timbers after spending five seasons (2018-2022) at FC Midtjylland in Denmark, where he registered 50 goals and 38 assists in 167 appearances across all competitions. With Midtjylland, the Brazilian midfielder featured in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, making 27 appearances across both competitions, logging 1,993 minutes, and registering five goals and seven assists. In 2022, Evander notched five assists to lead the Europa League.

Evander began his professional career in 2016 with Brazil’s top-tier side Vasco da Gama, making his debut at age 18 on March 5, 2016, against Bonsucesso. The midfielder scored his first professional goal on Nov. 8, 2017, against Santos. Notably, Evander became the youngest Vasco da Gama player to score twice in a Copa Libertadores match on Jan. 31, 2018, against Universidad de Concepcion. Evander scored two goals in eight appearances in Copa Libertadores play.

“We are extremely excited to welcome Evander to Portland. He has proven consistently in the Danish Superliga that he has the quality to be a game changer,” said Timbers head coach Giovanni Savarese. “His experience in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League allows us to believe that he will be able to adapt quickly to the MLS competition. I am looking forward to incorporate Evander and start working with him to build a stronger team for the next season.”

Internationally, Evander has played for Brazil’s U-16 and U-17 men’s national teams. At age 15, Evander made his youth-national team debut with the U-16 national team on Dec. 11, 2013. He went on to make 11 appearances for the U-17 national team, scoring seven goals. With the U-17 national team, Evander helped Brazil win the U-17 South American Championship, scoring three goals, while also making two appearances in the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup and reaching the quarterfinals of the tournament.