That may be the case, but will it be a likable option for the Portland Timbers to reinforce one of the most vulnerable areas in its roster, the defensive backfield? So far, the Rose City side has negotiated and officially announced the arrival of Claudio Bravo from Argentine side Club Atletico Banfield.
Still, the team has made some offseason moves, dealing Marco Farfan to LAFC as well as sending Julio Cascante to expansion side Austin FC, and rumors silencing of a Jorge Villafaña possible move to the LA Galaxy.
This is something that the Portland Timbers GM Gavin Wilkinson in considering a look in some of the talent released and eligible free agency that for sure can fill and for sure boost the defensive game.
Still, the team needs a couple of players to play as outside backs, one to become a backup center back, a defensive midfielder, and possibly a striker that can be considered an impact player. With negotiations with the Mexican side Pumas UNAM for Felipe Mora, something tells me that the may come with a high sticker price.
However, the area of most need is to boost the defensive backfield and I selected a few free agents currently in the market that for sure will impact Giovanni Savarese’s starting eleven for this upcoming 2021.
Despite some of these players with not so impressive numbers, with a little boost and motivation from Giovanni Savarese and his coaching staff, these players can fit perfectly in the Timbers initial eleven.
With Major League Soccer releasing its list of Free Agents, I see a few potential players the Rose City side should consider and incorporate in its roster to address what looks to be its Achilles Heel, its defense!
Players of the likes of Oniel Fisher from DC United and with a salary of $74,917 would be ideal to boost the side, Waylon Francis from Columbus Crew will be another addition to consider and a salary of $199,167 a year.
Other players I see are Joevin Jones from Seattle Sounders, but with a salary of $528,671. Still, this lad can be a strong left-back, followed by Victor Cabrera last season in Houston with just 10 games played and a salary of $300,000. Maybe in Portland, the Argentine can see a revival of his career. Another player to consider is Marlon Hairston from Minnesota United with a $155,004.
Other players in the free agency pool are center back Eriq Zavaleta from Toronto and a viable option to become a backup payer behind Larrys Mabiala and Dario Zuparic. This player could fit the mold and be a serious competitor for a starting job.
The Free Agent Market is something the Portland Timbers should consider in solving its immediate needs in defense with much needed improvements very well see an increase in competition.
