PORTLAND — The Portland Timbers have traded forward Fanendo Adi to FC Cincinnati for cash, the Timbers announced on Monday.
It was reported last week that Adi, 27, had requested a transfer from the Timbers.
The Timbers acquired $450,000 in General Allocation Money in 2019 and $400,000 in Targeted Allocation Money in 2019, and up to $100,000 in future Targeted Allocation Money based on Adi’s performance with Cincinnati in 2019.
Portland retains a percentage of any international transfer value on Adi until the closing of the 2020 summer transfer window.
“In five seasons with the Timbers, Fanendo Adi made massive contributions to this club, and words cannot fully express how appreciative we are for everything he gave to the Timbers in his time with us,” said Timbers general manager and president Gavin Wilkinson in a team statement.
“Adi’s place in Timbers history is firmly entrenched, as one of the top goal-scorers across all eras of the club and for his considerable efforts in helping lead Portland to its first MLS Cup in 2015. This opportunity with FC Cincinnati will be beneficial both to Adi, and to our club, as we build for the short term and long term.”
Adi will occupy a domestic roster spot — in addition to a designated player spot — on Cincinnati’s 2019 MLS roster. The club currently competes in the United Soccer League (USL).
Acquired by the club in 2014, Adi tallied 54 goals and 14 assists in 126 regular-season appearances (102 starts) during five seasons with the Portland.
“Fanendo Adi has been a tremendous player for this club for the past five years, and I have enjoyed coaching him and getting to know him as a person since my arrival,” said Timbers head coach Giovanni Savarese in the team statement. “This is a great opportunity for him within the league, and on behalf of the entire coaching staff, I wish him continued success in the future.”
Cincinnati head coach Alan Koch said in a statement that the club more than welcomes a proven goal-scorer for season.
“The fact that Fanendo has committed to join us now, in this mid-season transfer window, shows how he believes in our team project and where our club is going,” Koch said. “We’re excited to get him involved in the squad immediately and embrace him in the culture of our club. We anticipate that he will have a major impact on the pitch for us for the next several years.”
