Sebastian Blanco is poised to remain a member of the Portland Timbers, sources tell ESPN.
The free agent midfielder, long a fan favorite in Portland, explored the idea of playing elsewhere after his contract expired at the end of the 2021 season, but Blanco is now set to sign a two-year contract with the aid of Targeted Allocation Money. The news will welcomed at Providence Park, after another fan favorite, Diego Valeri, left this offseason for former club Lanus.
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ESPN first reported on Wednesday that Blanco was set to remain with Portland. TyC Sports and MLSsoccer.com have since reported the details on the player's contract.
Blanco has been a mainstay for the Timbers since first arriving at the club in 2017. He has led Portland to two MLS Cup finals, scoring 38 goals and adding 43 assists in 138 league and playoff appearances. Last season he returned to the field after suffering a torn ACL in his right knee, scoring seven goals and adding seven assists.
Prior to joining Portland, Blanco played for the likes of Lanus -- where he made his professional debut -- Ukrainian side Metalist Kharkiv, West Bromwich Albion and San Lorenzo. At international level, Blanco has made two appearances for Argentina, scoring one goal.