It certainly looks like the Portland Timbers are betting on youth to build up ahead in what seems to be another contested 2022 season in MLS. With a verbal agreement between the Rat Stabbers and the Rose City squad, it certainly looks that talent-filled midfielder David Ayala will play for Portland.
After the signing of Colombian U-22 Santiago Moreno, the team Front office is starting to discover the talent these young stallions bring to the game. For sure, Ayala can make the desired breakthrough into the starting lineup.
A player that can play defense and add to this department, starting what we can see a serious competition between Eryk Williamson, Cristhian Paredes, Andy Polo, and even Diego Chara.
So far with Estudiantes de la Plata, he has a total of 33 first-team appearances with the Lion (El Leon) and is a standout for the U-17 Argentinian National Team. He would have been a featured player in the canceled U-20 World Cup tournament because of the COVID pandemic.
If Ayala finds his game and immediately adapts to Gio’s system, we can see another prolific U-22 player after Moreno made an impact in his first year with the Rose City side. With Ayala and Moreno, Portland still has another U-22 slot to fill around this time or in summer.
The agreement between both sides is to be around $2.6 million and with performance-based add ons as well Estudiantes will retain a sell-on percentage. Portland Timbers will not be affected by his acquisition on the salary cap. According to MLS roster rules, he will be making around a figure of around $150,000 because of his age (19).
The Portland Timbers started their training camp to prepare for opening day against the Supporters Shield winners New England Revolution on February 26.
Portland Timbers
