PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers announced today that the club has completed the transfer of Paraguayan international midfielder Cristhian Paredes from Liga MX side Club América, utilizing Allocation Money. Paredes was originally acquired by the Timbers on loan from Club América on Feb. 2, 2018.

“Cristhian is a young, dynamic midfielder with a very bright future and we are thrilled to finalize an agreement with Club América to keep him in Portland long-term,” said Gavin Wilkinson, general manager and president of soccer for the Timbers. “He’s a player we value a great deal, and securing his rights this offseason was a top priority for the club.”

Since joining the Timbers in 2018, Paredes, 21, has tallied five goals and five assists in 48 games played (42 starts) for Portland across all competitions. Last season, Paredes made a career-high 22 appearances (19 starts) and added four goals and two assists during the MLS regular season. In his first season in Portland in 2018, Paredes appeared in 19 matches (18 starts) and added one goal and three assists in league play. Notably, Paredes was ranked No. 19 in MLS’ 22 Under 22 rankings in 2019, which showcased the top MLS players under the age of 22.

A native of Paraguarí, Paraguay, Paredes began his first professional season with Paraguayan Primera División side Sol de América in 2016, recording 30 appearances (30 starts) and four goals in league play. Paredes was later acquired by Club América in 2017 and tallied one goal in two Copa MX appearances for the Mexican side.

“Cristhian has been an important component of our roster and we made it a priority to have him back on the team,” said Giovanni Savarese, Timbers head coach. “He’s a two-way player who covers a lot of ground. He is a player with a very high ceiling in this league.”

At the international level, Paredes has been capped six times for Paraguay’s senior men’s national team since making his debut against France on June 2, 2017. Recently, Paredes was called in by Paraguay U-23 Men’s National Team for the 2020 CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament, making three appearances (3 starts).

Paredes will occupy an international slot on the Timbers roster.

Transaction: Portland Timbers complete transfer of midfielder Cristhian Paredes from Liga MX side Club América, utilizing Allocation Money on Feb. 6, 2020