The Portland Timbers are in the final stages of completing the transfer for Legia Warsaw forward Jarosław Niezgoda to a Designated Player deal, league sources have confirmed to ESPN.
Polish outlet Przeglad Sportowy is among the outlets reporting that a deal is imminent.
League sources told ESPN that the transfer fee will be around $3.8 million, somewhat lower than the $5 million-plus that has been reported. All that’s left to get the deal over the line is for Niezgoda to complete a medical, which one source said “could take several days.”
Reports indicate that Niezgoda’s salary will be in the neighborhood of $750,000 per year, though bonuses could kick that number up higher.
If the deal gets over the line, it will continue an active offseason for the Timbers. Portland has already signed winger Yimmi Chara — brother of Timbers midfielder Diego — from Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro. The Niezgoda deal sees Portland use up the last of its three DP slots, though Niezgoda’s salary is such that it could be brought down below the DP threshold.
The Timbers will also be hoping Niezgoda will provide a long-term solution at forward. The team signed Brian Fernandez in May of last season from Liga MX side Necaxa. While the Argentine had some early success, he had his contract terminated after entering the league’s Substance and Behavioral Health program, and failing to comply with its terms.
Niezgoda, 24, has enjoyed a bounce-back season with Legia, scoring 14 goals in 18 league appearances, after missing most of the previous campaign due to a nerve issue in his back.
The forward broke into the professional ranks with Polish third tier side Wiłsa Puławy in 2012, and after scoring 24 goals in 67 league and cup appearances he was transferred to Legia in 2016.
A loan spell with Ruch Chorzów aided Niezgoda’s transition into the Polish top flight, and with the exception of the injury riddled 2018-19 season has been a consistent scorer with Legia since then.