Portland Timbers pull shocking last-minute deal in MLS shake-up | OneFootball

Portland Timbers announced the signing of 26-year-old midfielder Omir Fernandez from the Colorado Rapids. The two Western Conference sides both published the announcement. The switch was effected at the end of the MLS trade window, giving it a dramatic flavor for two sides desperate for a change for the rest of the season.

Terms of the agreement are not yet public

Colorado Rapids will receive $200,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money (GAM). The amount could increase by an additional $50,000 in conditional 2026 GAM, depending on performance-based bonuses outlined in the contract. Fernandez is signed through the end of 2026 with Portland, and the team has an option for an extension through 2027. The financial terms of the deal are commensurate with the league's standards and is a low-cost investment with short- and medium-term technical and tactical upside.

Why Timbers made the switch

Omir Fernandez is entering his seventh season in MLS. He began his career at the New York Red Bulls, where he worked his way up through the academy and spent most of his professional life. Before signing with Colorado, he signed as a free agent before the 2024 season. In his career so far, Fernandez has netted 21 goals in 180 games in total.

He is also able to play both in the role of central attacking midfielder and left winger, and most famously for good passing. Shortly after the announcement, Portland Timbers general manager Ned Grabavoy made the following statement regarding the signing: "We're excited to have Omir in the Rose City. Our intention was to be aggressive and continue to look for options to bring onto the team as we approach the end of the transfer window," he added. His comments reflect the club's intention to bring on more to the roster at a pivotal moment in the season, with an eye toward players who possess MLS experience and can quickly get up to speed.

Having played for two clubs and being from the U.S. youth national team system, Fernandez comes with experience as well as the knowledge of what the league asks.

MLS's transfer window is closing shortly, and Portland's action occurs in a strategic situation. The club is searching for discriminating additions that will make the team more competitive without overextending the budget. Acquiring a player who can fill multiple roles in the attacking third provides the club with more options for the rest of the season.