Tom Bogert: Jonathan Rodriguez Is One of Three Primary Transfer Targets
The Athletic's Tom Bogert confirms Timbers' interest in Club América forward.
The first concrete transfer target after months of speculation has been revealed to be Liga MX star Jonathan Rodriguez, per Tom Bogerd at The Athletic. The Uruguayan international and Club América forward is reported to have real interest from the Timbers, becoming one of several candidates emerging to become the blockbuster designated player the organization has been hinting at.
Rodriguez, aged 30, came to Club América after a prolific Liga MX career with Santos Laguna and Club Azul as well as a short six month stint with Cristiano Ronaldo at Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassir. He has 21 goals from 60 appearances with his current side, while also having 3 goals from 31 caps as part of the Uruguayan national team.
The forward was rumored to be already have agreed to terms with an unnamed MLS side last week as reported in Mexican publications and Goal.com, with the Timbers rumored to be a part of the conversation.
General manager Ned Grabavoy hinted at the timeline during media day this week for the new DP signing, without mentioning names himself, saying to expect activity in the next “7-10 days”. Three candidates are supposedly finalists for the spot, however no other names have been concretely confirmed like Rodriguez’s.
The Timbers only have one unrestricted DP slot available out of three, with the other two being used by Evander and Felipe Mora according the Tom Bogert. Mora wasn’t listed as a DP last season however, and it’s unclear why Bogert has him listed as the two other DPs besides Evander, Yimmi Chara and Jarosław Niezgoda, left before preseason.
The Uruguayan is an unusual target for the Timbers historically if this deal goes through. The organization has a history of signing younger prospects as designated players, and coach Phil Neville has been quoted to be looking for a player that can make an impact for the “next five to six years”. Rodriguez, at 30, is just entering the latter half of his career and wouldn’t from first glance fit the criteria of a player for the future. Given his age, experience, and abilities, Rodriguez would be expensive, and a sure fire record signing if the deal is done.
However, this is league with a 36 year old Lionel Messi, and a team that still has its first DP in its history in 37 year old Diego Chara, so anything’s possible. He also fits the theme of Neville’s recent signings like Kamal Miller and Maxime Crepeau who came to the club as bonafide, experienced starters rather than young projects. He’s also a player that’s match fit now and would make an instant impact given Liga MX is in the middle of their season.
Rodriguez would also be an interesting fit tactically. He’s primarily a center-forward who would compete in minutes with fellow DP Felipe Mora, but can also play on the right or left wing that while adding versatility, also asks the question of how he would fit in with the likes of Santiago Moreno, Dairon Asprilla, and the “best player of the preseason” according to Phil Neville, Antony if played as a winger.
Overall, this would fit the bill for the blockbuster signing that the front office hyped up for months, and shows an urgency to “win now” that fans aren’t used to after some previously unexciting transfer windows. This would be a great start to the Phil Neville era of Timbers soccer and presents an urgency from Grabavoy and Neville to create a roster that can compete in a league that seems to elevate rapidly every year.
The Timbers play their first game of the regular season hosting the Colorado Rapids at Providence Park Saturday, February 24th at 7:30pm.
Hey Ross... I thought we had two DP slots available with the departure of Niezgoda and Yimmi? I don't recall Mora being a DP last season. Regardless, I'd be happy if Rodriguez is the "soon to be signed" player Ned is hinting at. Rodriguez has decent size (FBref lists him at 5'11.5" and 172 lbs); he's very productive in a competitive Liga MX; he's in mid-season shape so he can hit the ground running (hopefully he can mesh quickly with our attack); and he probably has at least two or three quality years left in him. Too bad he wasn't on board for Coachella.