TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: extension
The Portland Timbers and midfielder Eryk Williamson have agreed to a contract extension, the club announced on Thursday.
The 23-year-old Williamson was one of the league’s breakout stars in 2020. He previously played just 234 minutes in two seasons in Portland before becoming a constant midfield starter with three goals and five assists in 21 games.
“Eryk’s signing has been a major goal for the club over the past 12 months and we’re delighted that Eryk’s belief in the club reflects our belief in him,” said Gavin Wilkinson, Timbers general manager and president of football, in a tram release. “Eryk is a unique talent and we look forward to his continued growth and performance as a Timbers player.”
💚 Ink 💛@ erykw19 has signed a multi-year extension with the association. #RCTID
– Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) February 4, 2021
Williamson, who spent some time at the DC United Academy before being acquired by the Timbers in 2018, stood out in a box-to-box role alongside defensive Diego Chara at the foot of Portland midfield last season. The US youth international is eligible for the Olympic Games if the US qualifies and the Games continue despite the global pandemic.
“Eryk is an extremely talented and creative player with many great qualities on and off the field,” said Timbers head coach Giovanni Savarese. “I believe very much in the development of American players and I am incredibly happy that he continues his career in Portland.”
The midfielder was linked with a move abroad this winter when the clubs became aware of his breakout campaign.