The Portland Timbers have boosted their attack in a big way, signing Uruguayan forward Jonathan “Cabecita” Rodríguez of Club América to a designated player contract.
Rodríguez comes to the Timbers on a full transfer from the Liga MX team and is under contract through 2026, with a club option for 2027. The Timbers did not disclose financial terms in announcing the deal Wednesday, but Rodríguez will be the highest-paid player in club history, a source told The Oregonian/OregonLive.
“Adding an established, high-level attacking player to our group was vital in our ambitions to strengthen our position and aim to contend once again,” Timbers general manager Ned Grabavoy said in a statement. “Jonathan’s accomplishments as a player speak for themselves — he will provide us a constant attacking threat and has consistently scored goals throughout his career. We are eager to integrate him into the team, and we believe he can make an immediate impact.”
Rodríguez, 30, has scored nine goals for América this season, and 108 total since joining the Mexican league in 2016. Before Club América, Rodríguez played for Santos and Cruz Azul. He also has 31 appearances with Uruguay’s national team.
“Jonathan is a winner that has great experience playing at the highest level and we believe he will come in and give the club a massive lift,” Timbers coach Phil Neville said in a statement. “I’m excited to welcome him to the team and get to work.”
Rodríguez will take an international spot on the Timbers roster, and his transfer is pending a physical, an International Transfer Certificate and a P-1 visa.