Silly season has begun.
Today’s news release from the Timbers outlined the current (public) status of a significant number of players, including midfielder Will Johnson who was listed as currently under contract for the 2016 season.
However, Johnson doesn’t believe his future lies in Portland. Prost Amerika’s Steve Clare spoke to the midfielder just moment’s after the team’s 2-1 win over the Columbus Crew in the MLS Cup final.
The full release from the team is as follows:
TIMBERS RE-SIGN JEWSBURY, EXERCISE OPTIONS ON FOUR PLAYERS
Club declines contract options for seven players; 13 players already under contract for 2016 season
PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers today announced that the team has re-signed midfielder Jack Jewsbury and exercised the 2016 contract options on midfielder George Fochive, defenders Anthony Manning, Taylor Peay and forward Michael Seaton.
Players who are already under contract for the 2016 season are: goalkeepers Adam Kwarasey and Jake Gleeson; forwards Fanendo Adi and Lucas Melano; midfielders Dairon Asprilla, Diego Chara, Darlington Nagbe, Will Johnson and Diego Valeri; and defenders Nat Borchers, Liam Ridgewell, Alvas Powell and Jorge Villafaña.
The Timbers declined the 2016 contract options on goalkeeper Andrew Weber; defenders Jeanderson, Norberto Paparatto and Andy Thoma; midfielders Nick Besler and Michael Nanchoff; and forward Maximiliano Urruti.
“We are still in discussions with a number of players whose contract options were declined,” said Gavin Wilkinson, general manager of the Timbers.
Per Major League Soccer rules, teams have until Thursday, Dec. 10, to re-sign any re-entry draft eligible players, including players whose options were not exercised.
Midfielders Ben Zemanski and Rodney Wallace are out of contract and have been extended bona fide offers.
