Portland Timbers defender Liam Ridgewell has agreed to a short-term loan with English Championship side Brighton & Hove Albion, the MLS club announced on Wednesday.
The Timbers captain, whose loan will begin on Jan. 2, led the franchise to their first MLS Cup crown in early December. Before moving to MLS in 2014, Ridgewell, 31, spent time with Premier League sides Aston Villa, Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion.
"Similar to last year, Liam expressed an interest in staying in the UK on a short-term loan to maintain his fitness and to stay sharp leading into the upcoming MLS season," said Timbers general manager Gavin Wilkinson on Wednesday.
"We feel that this loan works well for all parties involved and we look forward to having Liam rejoin the group towards the end of preseason."
Ridgewell, who made 32 regular-season appearances for the Timbers in 2015, spent a similar loan spell with Wigan Athletic ahead of the 2015 season.
"Prior to last season Liam was able to get valuable offseason games with Wigan and it helped him hit the ground running in 2015. When a similar opportunity came about with Brighton, we felt it would again be advantageous for both Liam and our club," said head coach Caleb Porter.
"It was also important to have the loan end before our preseason tournament like last year so we have time to plug Liam back in before our first match."
Of the move, Albion boss Chris Hughton told the club's website: "I know Liam very well from my time as manager at Birmingham City, and he is an excellent and important addition for us.
"He will bring extra experience to our defence at a crucial time, and will give me an option both in the centre of defence and at left-back.
"Liam has played the vast majority of his career in the Premier League -- with more than 350 senior appearances; he's also got experience of the Europa League and Championship from his time at Birmingham."