The Portland Timbers announced on Wednesday that they have signed Diego Valeri to a contract extension, a move that could keep the 30-year-old star in Portland for the rest of his career.
Valeri will remain a Designated Player under his extended contract. The Timbers did not release any additional details about the length or terms of the new deal.
The Oregonian's Jamie Goldberg reported that Valeri's extension would keep him with the Timbers through the close of the 2019 season, after which he would be 33:
One of the most accomplished players in Timbers history, Valeri has been stellar this year, scoring 10 goals and recording five assists in 20 regular season appearances. He’s recorded four goals in Portland’s last four games across all competitions, including the game-winners in the club’s 2-1 win over C.D. Dragón in the CONCACAF Champions League on Aug. 3 and 3-0 win against Sporting Kansas City on Sunday.
Valeri signed with the Timbers prior to the 2013 season from Lanús in his native Argentina. The creative midfielder has 33 goals and 40 assists in 106 regular season appearances with Portland, earned MLS Newcomer of the Year honors in 2013, was selected to the league’s Best XI in 2013 and 2014 and led the Timbers to their first MLS Cup title in 2015.
Valeri is the fourth key Timber to receive a contract extension this year; Fanendo Adi, Diego Chará and Darlington Nagbe all signed new deals in March.
