The Portland Timbers have signed Argentine winger Sebastian Blanco as a designated player, the MLS club announced Thursday.
Blanco arrives via a transfer from Argentine side San Lorenzo to fill Portland's third DP slot, joining striker Fanendo Adi and playmaker Diego Valeri. In order to sign Blanco, Portland acquired the right of first refusal from the Seattle Sounders in exchange for $75,000 of general allocation money.
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"Sebastian Blanco is a talented player we have been aware of and tracked for quite some time," Timbers general manager Gavin Wilkinson said in a news release. "To say the process of acquiring him was complex is an understatement, and we are delighted to confirm the transfer and that he wanted Portland to be his new home."
The 28-year-old notched 12 goals and 14 assists over 84 appearances in all competitions after joining San Lorenzo in 2015. He previously played for Argentine side Lanus and Ukrainian club Metalist Kharkiv before a stint in the Premier League with West Brom from 2014 to 2015. Blanco has earned two caps for Argentina, but none since 2010.
Blanco seems poised to join Adi and Darlington Nagbe in the Timbers' first-choice front line, with Valeri, Diego Chara and fellow offseason acquisition David Guzman comprising the three-man midfield.
"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,” Timbers coach Caleb Porter said. "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."