TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Re-signed

After a career year in 2018, the Portland Timbers have rewarded fullback Zarek Valentin with a new contract.

Valentin, 27, has spent the last three years with the Timbers after being acquired in a trade from the Montreal Impact. He's made 71 appearances for the club and is a two-time honoree of the Timbers' Community MVP award (2016, 2018) for his work off the field.

“Zarek played an important part in our success this season and we are very pleased to re-sign him,” coach Giovanni Savarese said in a statement. “He is an intelligent and versatile player for us, and one who consistently executes everything asked of him to benefit the team.”

I’m incredibly happy to be back. There isn’t anywhere else I’d rather be. Sorry Portland, you gotta keep dealing with me for a bit longer 😉 #RCTID https://t.co/YO1qx3WYF5 — Zarek Valentin (@ZarekValentin) December 10, 2018

Valentin made 32 appearances in 2018 between both fullback slots this season and started MLS Cup final. Prior to joining the Timbers in 2016, Valentin spent 2011 with Chivas USA and 2012 with the Impact before a stint with Norwegian club FK Bodø/Glimt.