Portland Timbers announce signing of former Netherlands and Spurs star striker

With Major League Soccer now back underway following the FIFA World Cup break, the Portland Timbers have bulked up their attacking options with the signing of former Dutch international striker Vincent Janssen.

The 32-year-old free agent joins on a two-year deal through the 2027-2028 season, having spent the past four years in the Jupiler Pro League with Royal Antwerp. There, across 173 appearances in all competitions, the forward found the back of the net on 64 occasions, helping Antwerp win the league and Belgian Cup once apiece.

Prior to his stint in Belgium, Janssen spent three years in Liga MX with CF Monterrey, after three years on the books with Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur – the last of which he played with Süper Lig giants Fenerbahçe on loan.

Janssen previously played for Tottenham Hotspur -Credit:Marc Atkins/Getty Images

A 22-time international, during which time he scored seven times before retiring from the national team in 2023, Janssen initially broke through as a professional with Dutch second division side Almere City before joining Eredivisie club AZ Alkmaar a year prior to making his Premier League jump.

Unfortunately for Janssen, he failed to find his footing in the English top tier, scoring just six goals in 42 appearances, with injuries also holding him back from finding any real rhythm.

Now, after captaining Antwerp all of last season, Janssen crosses the Atlantic in search of a new challenge with the Timbers, who recently hired former Leicester City and Queens Park Rangers manager Martí Cifuentes as their new boss.

In a statement, Timbers General Manager Ned Grabavoy said, “We are pleased to be able to add a player with the level of qualities that Vincent possesses. His experience and goal scoring ability will add a value to our current group, and we believe he will have an impactful role within the team.

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“We look forward to welcoming Vincent and his family to the Rose City, and are hopeful to have him ready and available soon.”

As for Janssen’s message to fans, he kept it short and sweet in a video posted on social media, saying, “Super excited to be here. Can’t wait to get started, see you all in the stadium. And again, I’m super happy to be here. See you soon.”

Assuming Janssen is approved for the necessary visa, he’ll join Gage Guerra, Kevin Kelsy, and Felipe Mora as the forwards at Cifuentes’ disposal. 22-year-old Venezuelan international Kelsy is the Timbers’ leading scorer so far this season with eight goals in 16 games.

Currently 10th in the Western Conference with 21 points after 17 games, having won twice and drawn once in their three post-World Cup break games, the Timbers are scheduled to return to action on Saturday when they host the Seattle Sounders. This will be followed by their first Leagues Cup game of the season on August 6 when they host Club Puebla.