TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing
UPDATE (March 13) - The Portland Timbers have officially signed Ivorian forward Franck Boli from Hungarian top-flight side Ferencvárosi, the club announced Monday.
The 29-year-old arrives through the end of the 2023 MLS season with an option for 2024. He will occupy an international spot on Portland's roster.
"This acquisition provides the group another experienced attacking option, while still allowing flexibility within the roster as we move ahead," Timbers general manager Ned Grabavoy said in a release. "We look forward to welcoming Franck to Portland, and hope that he can be a positive addition to the team."
Boli scored 42 goals and tallied 11 assists in 126 appearances for Ferencvárosi. Once available for selection, he's expected to compete for Portland's starting No. 9 role.
"We’re excited to welcome Franck to Portland," said head coach Giovanni Savarese. "I feel confident that adding another attacking piece like Boli into our team will give us the possibility to be more competitive."
ORIGINAL (Feb. 28) - The Portland Timbers are signing Ivorian forward Franck Boli from Hungarian club Ferencváros, sources tell MLSsoccer.com.
Portland have been looking to add another option up top during the Primary Transfer Window and ultimately landed on Boli, via a deal that isn't guaranteed long-term, to maximize cap flexibility moving forward. The Timbers also remain in the market to add a center back after trading Bill Tuiloma to Charlotte FC last week.
Boli, 29, has 42 goals and 11 assists in 126 appearances with Ferencváros, a heavyweight in the Hungarian top flight. He scored twice in 77 minutes in the UEFA Champions League group stage in 2020-21. This year, he has three goals in 428 minutes in league play for the club.
The center forward has made one appearance with the Ivorian national team, competing in a 2021 World Cup qualifier.
Before moving to Hungary, the well-traveled Boli featured for Norweigan club Stabaek and Chinese Super League side Liaoning FC.
The Timbers have Jaroslaw Niezgoda and Nathan Fogaça as options up top, as well as the currently-injured Felipe Mora. Boli will give head coach Gio Savarese another option in attack. Portland kicked off their 2023 season on Monday night with a 1-0 win over Sporting Kansas City. Niezgoda started and Fogaça came off the bench, while club-record signing Evander made his debut in attacking midfield. DP winger Yimmi Chara was forced to exit the match with a non-contact injury.
The Timbers travel to face reigning MLS Cup and Supporters' Shield winners LAFC during Matchday 2 (Saturday, 4:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass, FOX).
