Portland Timbers Make Loan of Jack Barmby Official

The Portland Timbers have their "Mystery Winger" and his name is Jack Barmby. The signing of 21-year-old Jack Barmby on loan from England's Leicester City should come as no surprise to Timbers fans after rumors of the signing surfaced last week.

While it is as of yet unknown if Barmby will join the team on a year long loan, the Timbers did confirm in their release that The side do have an option to retain him for the long term. Whether that is an option to buy or to extend his loan is not clear.

An England youth international at the U-20 level, Barmby has been on the books with current English Premier League leaders Leicester since 2014, appearing with their U-21 side and spending time on loan with Rotherham United and Notts County in the English Championship lower divisions.

Capable of playing as an attacking midfielder on either wing of in the center, Barmby is a quick player with a willingness to take on his opponents and a nose for goal.

The Timbers' press release:

TIMBERS ACQUIRE MIDFIELDER/DEFENDER JACK BARMBY ON LOAN FROM LEICESTER CITY

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers have acquired midfielder/defender Jack Barmby on loan from English Premier League club Leicester City, it was announced today. Barmby will be added to the Timbers roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC).

"Acquiring Jack on loan with an option to retain long-term presents a great opportunity for both the player and the club," said Gavin Wilkinson, general manager of the Timbers. "For his age he has very good experience at many levels, and we look forward to him joining the club."

Barmby, 21, joins the Timbers after spending the opening portion of the 2015-16 campaign on loan with Rotherham United and Notts County in the Football League Championship and League Two, respectively.

"Jack is a young player with good upside that brings versatility and depth to our roster," said Caleb Porter, head coach of the Timbers. "He is a left-sided player that can play either wing or left back."

Prior to signing with Leicester City, who currently sit atop the English Premier League table, Barmby earned his first professional contract with Manchester United in 2013, after progressing through the club’s youth ranks. Barmby spent his first season with United on loan with League Two team Hartlepool United, scoring five goals in 17 appearances.

At the international level, Barmby has represented England at the U-16, U-18, U-19 and U-20 levels.

Barmby will occupy an international slot on the Timbers roster.

Transaction: Portland Timbers acquire midfielder/defender Jack Barmby as a Discovery Signing on loan from Leicester City, pending ITC.

Jack Barmby
Position: Midfielder/Defender
Height: 5-10
Weight: 165
Born: Nov. 14, 1994 
Hometown: Harlow, Essex, England
Citizenship: England
Acquired: Acquired on loan from Leicester City, March 9, 2016