The Portland Timbers liked what they saw when Diego Valeri arrived from Argentina on loan earlier this year, so much so that they've made the move permanent.
Portland announced on Tuesday that they have purchased the playmaker's rights from his previous club, Lanús, and signed Valeri to a new, multiyear deal that will keep the Designated Player in Timbers green for the foreseeable future.
The 27-year-old has been a central cog in coach Caleb Porter's rebuilding project in Portland, notching four goals and eight assists thus far this season. The latter figure matches the club's single-season MLS record and puts him in a tie with Robbie Keane for second overall in the league.
Valeri previously spent time in Europe with FC Porto and UD Almería (of Portugal and Spain, respectively) and has three caps with the Argentine national team.
