The Chilean international Alexander Aravena has ended his spell with Brazilian side Grêmio, bringing a two-year stint in Porto Alegre to a close. The forward will seek increased playing time after limited opportunities in the early stages of the season, with his next destination confirmed as Major League Soccer in the United States.
According to reports, Aravena has agreed terms to join Portland Timbers. The move represents a significant shift for the 23-year-old, who arrived at Grêmio from Universidad Católica with high expectations but struggled to establish himself as a consistent starter.
The transfer will see Aravena reunite with compatriot Felipe Mora, who has been a key figure for the Timbers since . Mora’s established presence in Oregon is expected to aid Aravena’s adaptation to a new league and country.
Aravena’s departure from Grêmio stems directly from a lack of playing time under the current coaching staff. He has not featured in the Brasileirão season, remaining an unused substitute or omitted from the matchday squad for crucial fixtures against Fluminense, Botafogo, and São Paulo. This limited involvement prompted the player to seek opportunities elsewhere.
The forward joined Grêmio in on a deal extending until the end of , signaling the club’s initial confidence in his abilities. However, his impact proved limited, with 46 appearances across all competitions yielding six goals and three assists. His time in Brazil followed a successful loan spell at Ñublense in , where he scored 11 goals in 30 matches.
Aravena began his professional career with Universidad Católica in , making 46 appearances and scoring 16 goals before his move to Brazil. He has also represented Chile at various youth levels, including the under-17 and under-23 teams, and has earned 16 caps for the senior national team, though he is yet to score for La Roja.
The move to Portland Timbers offers Aravena a chance to reignite his career and demonstrate his potential in a league increasingly attracting South American talent. The MLS season is currently underway, and Aravena’s arrival will bolster the Timbers’ attacking options as they compete in the Western Conference.
Portland Timbers have been actively seeking to strengthen their squad ahead of the MLS season. The acquisition of Aravena, alongside the continued presence of Mora, underscores the club’s commitment to building a competitive team capable of challenging for the championship. The Timbers finished tenth in the Western Conference in , and will be hoping for improvement this year.
The transfer also highlights the growing trend of Chilean players seeking opportunities in North American soccer. Several Chilean internationals are currently plying their trade in MLS, attracted by the league’s increasing competitiveness and financial stability. This influx of talent is expected to further elevate the standard of play in the league and enhance its global appeal.
For Aravena, the move represents a fresh start and a chance to prove his worth on a new stage. His ability to adapt to the demands of MLS and forge a successful partnership with Mora will be crucial to his success in the United States. The Chilean forward will be hoping to recapture the form he showed at Universidad Católica and establish himself as a key player for Portland Timbers.
