The Portland Timbers added their first piece of the new year today, announcing the signing of defender Zarek Valentin. Although Valentin, 24, was added on a free transfer, the Timbers were forced to trade an international slot to the Montreal Impact for his MLS rights, which the Canadian side held following his departure from the league in 2013.
Valentin returns to MLS after three years in Norway playing for Bodø/Glimt where he made 55 appearances, despite being sidelined for most of the 2014 season with a torn hamstring. In 2015 Valentine made his mark on the side, playing 24 of of Bodø's 30 matches and chipping in a goal and three assists from his right back position.