It's official: FC Cincinnati acquires Evander from Portland Timbers

CINCINNATI — When one door closes, another one opens.

After finalizing a deal that sent former MVP Luciano Acosta to FC Dallas, FC Cincinnati announced Monday that the club has signed Evander da Silva Ferreira. WCPO 9 first reported the deal February 11, citing sources.

The club sent $12 million and up to $150,000 more in conditional performance-based incentives to Portland in exchange for the attacking midfielder. It's the largest cash-for-player trade in MLS history, according to FCC.

FCC acquired $5 million, plus add-ons, from sending Acosta to Dallas. Evander will occupy one of the club's Designated Player spots after Acosta vacated the spot.

The 26-year-old from Brazil has spent the last two seasons with the Portland Timbers, who acquired him from the Danish Superliga side FC Midtjylland. While in Portland, the attacking midfielder started in 52 games, scoring 24 goals and recording 24 assists. In 2024 alone, he had the second-most goal contributions of all Major League Soccer players, 34.

In 2024, Evander was named an MVP finalist and MLS All-Star. He was also named to the MLS Best XI and received Player of the Month honors for August and September.

As part of the acquisition, Evander was signed through the 2027 season, with an option for 2028.