Portland Timbers sign forward Jonathan Rodríguez from Club América

Portland Timbers have completed the signing of Jonathan Rodríguez from Liga MX giants Club América, a major coup for the MLS side as they look to secure a return to the MLS Cup playoffs.

Rodríguez has been one of the most productive forwards in Mexico in recent years and will add real quality to the Timbers’ offensive line-up. The 30-year-old has signed a Designated Player deal that keeps him at Providence Park through 2026, with the option of a further year.

His time with América was a fruitful one, lifting the Liga MX Apertura title in 2023. During his two-year spell in the Mexican capital he scored 21 goals and provided six assists across 65 games. The Uruguayan’s arrival has been rumoured for some time but today’s confirmation will be a major boost for Timbers head coach Phil Neville.

Jonathan Rodríguez boasts stellar Liga MX record

During his time in Liga MX Rodríguez established himself as one of the most dynamic and dangerous attacking players in the Mexican top flight. He starred for Cruz Azul from 2019-2022 and led the team to Liga MX, Supercopa MX, Campeón de Campeones and Leagues Cup triumphs.

Rodríguez was twice named in the Liga MX Best XI and in the Liga MX All-Star team in 2021. He won the Balon de Oro, the award for the league’s top scorer, in 2021 and was named Liga MX Player of the Month on four occasions.

His success with Cruz Azul resulted in a high-profile move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr in 2022 but he returned to Mexico to join América later that year. His time back in Liga MX has only bolstered his reputation as one of the finest attacking talents in the region.

In total he has played 277 games in the Mexican top flight, recording an impressive 108 goals and 27 assists in that time. His quality could be crucial for the Timbers as they look to return to the MLS Cup playoffs after failing to qualify in the previous two years.

When will Jonathan Rodríguez make his debut for Portland?

The Uruguayan forward has enjoyed a varied career, playing for top clubs in a number of different counties. He broke through as a young player for Peñarol in his native Uruguay before being snapped up by Portuguese giants Benfica in 2015. He struggled for playing time in Europe but found form upon moving to Mexican side Santos Laguna the following year, from whom he joined Cruz Azul. With a spell at Al-Nassr also under his belt he brings real experience to Portland.

The Timbers’ next MLS fixture sees them take on Philadelphia Union on Saturday, 23 March. They are looking to bounce back from last weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Houston Dynamo and the addition of Rodríguez would be a major boost for Neville’s side.

However it’s not yet clear if Rodríguez will be registered in time to make his MLS debut against the Union; his new team are still awaiting receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and Visa. Whether or not Rodríguez is involved this weekend, Timbers fans will be eager to see their newest signing in action at Providence Park.