PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The Portland Trail Blazers have signed striker Gaston Fernandez and center back Norberto Paparatto, both of Argentina.
The Timbers on Wednesday also loaned Columbian forward Jose Valencia to Argentina first-division side Olimpo de Bahia Blanca for a season.
Fernandez and Paparatto will join the club once their transfer and visa documents are complete.
Fernandez, 30, has played for several first-division teams in Argentina, winning season titles with three different clubs. Since 2002, he has appeared in 224 matches with 176 starts and 48 goals. He has also played in Mexico’s top league.
Paparatto, 30, has played for top-division Club Atletico Tigre in Argentina since 2007. He was named captain of the side for the 2013-14 season, starting all 17 of his league appearances and contributing to six shutouts.
