A number of clubs are currently making moves today as the off-season continues. The MLS Cup Champion Portland Timbers, managed by Caleb Porter, are ready to send Jorge Villafana off to Luis Zubeldia‘s Santos Laguna of Liga MX, according to Sports Illustrated’s Grant Wahl. The transfer fee is just under $1 million. Villafana, who began his career in 2007 with Chivas USA after winning the Sueño MLS competition, has 138 career appearances in MLS. He joined Portland ahead of the 2014 season. He now gets to live his ultimate dream of being a star in Mexico.
Also in the mix is Peter Vermes‘ Sporting Kansas City, who have re-signed Seth Sinovic and Jon Kempin to new deals. Also, Kenyan international Lawrence Olum will be back to re-join the club in 2016. Olum was a member of Sporting KC from 2011-14.
OFFICIAL: #SportingKC re-signs @ssinovic @JonKempin21 and adds @OmoshLaw13 ahead of 2016: https://t.co/ncaKUYDdCz pic.twitter.com/B1XlBZUhD4
— Sporting Kansas City (@SportingKC) December 9, 2015
“We are very excited to have these three players back in 2016,” Sporting KC Manager Peter Vermes said in a team statement. “Seth and Lawrence have extensive experience at the top level, while Jon has continued to improve each year with the club. Collectively they will help bring a winning mentality to the team.”
NEWS: #Rapids96 and @seanstledger12 agree to new contract. Details: https://t.co/Ptl8AgX5cX pic.twitter.com/ljvmY52WOx — Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) December 9, 2015
Sean St. Ledger, an Irish international, played in 12 matches for the Colorado Rapids, with two assists in 1,048 minutes of action. St. Ledger has been resigned with the club, and per MLS and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Sean has become very important very quickly during his time at Colorado Rapids,” said Paul Bravo, vice president of soccer operations and technical director in a team release. “He brings experience and quality to the back line and we are very pleased to have secured his future at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.”
#Rapids96 claim former @SoundersFC midfielder Micheal Azira in the MLS Waiver Draft. Full statement to follow. pic.twitter.com/QuRsowR3tx — Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) December 9, 2015
Finally, Micheal Azira, a former Seattle Sounder, will be joining Pablo Mastroeni‘s Rapids next season. Azira played in 25 regular season contests and one playoff game in 2014, featuring mostly as depth player in central midfield. He has also been capped by the Uganda national team. Azira was picked in the MLS Waiver Draft.
Keep it right here on The Stoppage Time for more MLS transfer news.
