TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Trade

• Cincinnati receives: Evander
• Portland receives: $12 million, $150k in incentives, future sell-on & trade percentage

FC Cincinnati made headlines on Monday by securing Evander from the Portland Timbers, establishing a new MLS trade record with a guaranteed $12 million deal plus an additional $150,000 in potential incentives.

Portland will also maintain a stake in Evander’s future through a sell-on and trade percentage. The dynamic player has signed a Designated Player deal with Cincinnati lasting until 2027, with an option for an additional year in 2028.

The Brazilian midfielder makes the move to Cincinnati as part of the MLS’s newly introduced cash-for-player trade system, which was unveiled last month alongside the 2025 roster rule updates. This initiative allows teams to trade players using cash without the need for General Allocation Money (GAM) or other assets.

Evander fills the gap left by Luciano Acosta, who was traded to FC Dallas just last week in a record-breaking transaction worth $5 million plus incentives. Acosta, the club captain and the recipient of the 2023 Landon Donovan MLS MVP award, made the 2024 MLS Best XI alongside Evander.

In a related transaction, Portland is expected to sign David Da Costa from French Ligue 1 club RC Lens with a fee close to $6 million. The former Portugal youth international will be a Designated Player for the Timbers.

“We’re excited to welcome Evander and his family to Cincinnati,” remarked general manager Chris Albright. “Evander has demonstrated that he is one of the league’s top talents, and his creativity and vision will significantly boost our offensive strategy.”

“He’s a fantastic teammate, and we are looking forward to seeing how he integrates with our squad. This acquisition highlights the club’s commitment to growth and showcases our ownership’s continued investment in strengthening our roster.”

Evander has spent two seasons with Portland after transferring from Danish club FC Midtjylland for a club-record fee estimated at $10 million. His arrival was seen as a pivotal moment for the Timbers as they looked to fill the shoes of past star Diego Valeri.

Following his adjustment period in 2023, Evander thrived in 2024, contributing to 34 goals (15 goals and 19 assists), ranking as the second-highest in the league after the MVP winner and Inter Miami CF icon Lionel Messi with 36 goal contributions. In total, Evander has recorded 24 goals and 24 assists over 55 regular-season matches.

In Cincinnati, Evander will team up with fellow Designated Player Kévin Denkey and 2024 MLS All-Star Luca Orellano as crucial components of a revamped offensive line-up. Denkey joined the team this offseason for a reported club-record fee of $16.2 million from Cercle Brugge, while Orellano was permanently signed after a successful loan from Brazil’s Vasco da Gama.

“I’m very happy and eager for the season to begin,” Evander expressed. “Seeing the stadium and training facilities through video, along with the supportive fans, made me even more excited to join the team and the club.”

“I’m looking forward to connecting with the fans. I’m committed to giving my all for the club and hopefully capturing some trophies.”

Evander’s departure from Portland comes after a prolonged period of speculation. The 26-year-old had openly criticized the Timbers’ management following their exit from the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs, leading to a series of major transactions just before the start of the 2025 season.

Amid these changes, the Timbers’ remaining attacking lineup includes players like Jonathan Rodríguez, Felipe Mora, and Santiago Moreno, who collectively contributed to the team’s 65 goals last season—the fourth-highest in MLS. This offseason, Portland has bolstered its attack with new signings, including Kevin Kelsy, Ariel Lassiter, and potentially Da Costa soon.

“We extend our gratitude to Evander for his contributions during his time with the club, and we wish him the best in the next chapter of his career,” stated Timbers general manager Ned Grabavoy.