The Portland Timbers have signed defensive midfielder Joao Ortiz from Ecuador’s top team, Independiente del Valle, the club announced on Wednesday.
Ortiz, 28, is an Ecuadorian international and will be under contract with the Timbers until 2027, with an option for 2028. The transfer is reported to be worth around $1.5 million.
“We are excited to add Joao to our team, and we believe he will be an important part of our midfield moving forward,” said general manager Ned Grabavoy. “Joao has a lot of experience in South American competitions with both his club and country, and we are confident he will make an immediate impact and help raise the level of our team.”
Before joining Portland, Ortiz had 8 goals and 15 assists in 229 professional appearances. He mainly played for Independiente del Valle, but also had stints at Delfín SC and LDU Quito in Ecuador.
Ortiz has also represented Ecuador nine times and was part of their 2024 Copa América squad.
“We are very happy to sign Joao, who has a lot of experience competing in midfield,” said head coach Phil Neville. “We’ve been watching him and have been impressed with his performances for his club in Ecuador. He is strong, physical, and skilled with the ball, and we believe he will be a great addition to our team, fitting the profile we’re looking for.”
Ortiz will join a Portland midfield that includes Diego Chará, David Ayala, and Cristhian Paredes.
The Timbers’ 2025 season will begin on February 23 with a match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC (4 pm ET | MLS Season Pass), which will be a rematch of last year’s Western Conference Wild Card defeat.
