Portland Timbers sign Sebastian Blanco as Designated Player

The Portland Timbers announced Thursday the club has signed Argentine winger Sebastian Blanco as a Designated Player, penning the 28-year-old out of San Lorenzo de Almagro.

Blanco joins the Timbers having featured in over 200 matches in the Argentine first division, where he scored 31 goals and recorded 41 assists.

It was a signing that took some time to complete, as the Timbers had to first acquire his Right of First Refusal from their bitter rival Seattle Sounders, but Blanco now safely joins Caleb Porter’s side ahead of the 2017 campaign with those rights acquired in exchange for $75,000 in General Allocation Money.

“An attacking player that will increase our production from wide positions was a top priority this offseason, and we’re very pleased to sign a difference-maker like Sebastian Blanco,” Porter said in a club-issued statement.

“He is a technical, two-footed player that will bring quality service and final passing, and he has produced goals playing either wing. His work rate on both sides of the ball was also very important.

“We project Blanco to play on the right side, but he is also effective on the left or at the No. 10, which gives us tactical flexibility if need be.”

Twice capped by Argentina, Blanco joins compatriot Diego Valeri as well as Nigerian forward Fanendo Adi among Portland’s Designated Player ranks.