Timbers acquire rights to defender Claude Dielna

The Portland Timbers have today officially acquired the MLS rights to central defender Claude Dielna from the New England Revolution for $100k GAM.

Dielna, 31, joined the league by signing as a Designated Player for the Revolution in the summer of 2017 and has since played 28 matches for the side. Dielna is likely to be seen as a starting-caliber player, meant fill the hole in the depth chart left by the departure of Liam Ridgewell.

Before coming to MLS, Dielna spent the last three seasons with Sheffield Wednesday of the EFL Championship, where he made 25 appearances for the first team, as well as four appearances on loan with Slovan Bratislava and twelve on loan with Dinamo Bucaresti. Dielna has also played for FC Istres (68 appearances), CS Sedan (on loan from Olympiacos, 37 appearances), and AC Ajaccio (on loan from Olympiacos, 24 appearances).

“Claude is a player we have monitored closely since his arrival in Major League Soccer over a year ago,” said Gavin Wilkinson, general manager and president of soccer for the Timbers. “After many discussions with the player, it is clear that he has a keen interest in this opportunity to join the Timbers and contribute to the club’s success. His familiarity with the league, along with his global playing experience will be beneficial to our group.”

That the Timbers Front Office has been keeping an eye on Dielna since 2017 and that he seems so eager to come to Portland can only be good signs for this new acquisition. Luckily, Timbers fans won’t have to wait long to see their new man in action, as the first match of the 2019 Preseason will be played on February 4th.