A new era in the Portland Timbers with Bill Tuiloma departing to Charlotte FC

It came as a shock when the Portland Timbers recently announced that they were to send defender Bill Tuiloma to Charlotte FC in exchange for some General Allocation Money (GAM). For the Rose City side, getting $800,000 and a guaranteed $500,000 in 2023 GAM, a guaranteed $300,000 in 2024 GAM and a conditional $100,000 in 2025 GAM if certain performance metrics are reached by this player.

Portland will also receive a percentage of a future transfer fee if Tuiloma is sold outside of MLS. Tuiloma 27, spent six MLS seasons (2017-22) with the Portland Timbers. He made 107 regular season appearances (80 starts) and 120 appearances (88 starts) across all competitions with the Green and Gold.

Outstandingly, Tuiloma is one of 13 players to reach 100 regular season appearances in the history of the club. He was part of that team that captured two Western Conference final championships (2018, 2021) and the 2020 MLS is Back Tournament Championship.

General Manager Ned Grabavoy and manager Giovanni Savarese both expressing their satisfaction when Bill Tuiloma suited up as a Timber and showing off their sheer pleasure for having him in the team.

It has been enjoyable to watch Bill’s development and maturation during his time with the Portland Timbers. This was not an easy decision for us as a club—Bill is a great player with tremendous character,” said Timbers general manager Ned Grabavoy.

“It has been great pleasure to have had Bill with us for the past few years,” said Timber’s head coach Giovanni Savarese. “I want to thank Bill for all he has given us and always wish him the best.”

In his time with Portland, the New Zealand international scored 10 goals and tallied six assists, scoring one goal in five of six seasons with the Timbers. Tuiloma was one of five players on the team to score at least six goals in the 2022 season. In last season, he finished third in the league with five headed goals.

After his career began with Portland on July 25, 2017 scoring three goals in 11 appearances (11 starts) with T2. On the international front, Tuiloma has made 31 appearances with the New Zealand Men’s National Team, with four goals scored.

Source: Portland Timbers Communications