From the English Premier League frontrunners, to the defending MLS champions.
English midfielder Jack Barmby moved from Leicester City, currently in first in the EPL, to the Portland Timbers on Wednesday, signing a loan deal with the MLS Cup 2015 winners. The Timbers will have an option to permanently sign Barmby, 21, when his loan expires.
“Acquiring Jack on loan with an option to retain long-term presents a great opportunity for both the player and the club,” Timbers GM Gavin Wilkinson said in a statement released by the club. “For his age he has very good experience at many levels, and we look forward to him joining the club.”
Barmby spent the opening of the 2015-16 season on loan with League Two club Notts County, where he made five appearances.
He began his career in 2013 with Manchester United, signing a pro deal with the club after progressing through their academy system. He was loaned from Manchester United to Hartlepool United in 2014, scoring five goals in 17 appearances with the League Two club.
Barmby moved to Leicester City in May 2014, and went on loan to Championship club Rotherham United for the second half of the 2014-15 season before heading to Notts County this year. The former English youth international has not made any first-team appearances for Leicester.
“Jack is a young player with good upside that brings versatility and depth to our roster,” Timbers head coach Caleb Porter said in the statement. “He is a left-sided player that can play either wing or left back.”
