Timbers extend Nathan Fogaça through 2023 with option for 2024

The Portland Timbers have a striker conundrum. With limited consistency from Jaroslaw Niezgoda last season, and two consecutive knee injuries for Felipe Mora, head coach Gio Savarese could be scratching his head when it comes to who may be leading the line come February.

In speaking at his introductory press conference, new Timbers Cheif Soccer Officer Ned Grabavoy revealed that the club are still in search of a new center-forward, but are limited by the salary cap restraints. However, the latest news out of Providence Park this morning has revealed that the club have decided to make a move at the striker position - but this one is remaining in house.

According to the Oregonian's Ryan Clarke, the club have picked up the contract option on Brazilian forward Nathan Fogaça, keeping him in green and golds through 2023 with an option for 2024. The 23-year-old joined the Timbers first team last season after short spell with T2. Having showing some flashes of ability for Gio Savarese, including bagging a brace against Sporting KC, the club has decided to keep the promsing young forward around for another season.

This likely does not mean that the club will end their search for a senior forward however. Reports earlier in the winter suggested that the Timbers could be looking to bring in a more experienced striker on loan, but have yet to set their sights on any specific target.

The 2023 regular season is slowly creeping up on us, so the club's front office will have to put the pedal to the floor in an effort to bolster the forward ranks in time for opening day. PTFC kick off their 2023 campaign by welcoming Sporting KC to Providence Park on February 25th. Only time will tell if they take the pitch that day with a brand new striker.