Portland Timbers Bolster Attack with Loan Signing of Chilean Forward Alexander Aravena

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers have secured the loan services of Chilean international forward Alexander Aravena from Brazilian club Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense, the club announced on February 25, 2026. The loan agreement extends through the 2026 season and includes a club purchase option.

Aravena’s Profile and Potential Impact

Timbers General Manager Ned Grabavoy expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “Alexander is a player that we have continued to follow over the last couple of years, and we are excited for him to join us in Portland. He provides us another quality option as we look to build out our attack this season.” Grabavoy as well highlighted Aravena’s versatility, noting his ability to play multiple positions and his potential for success in Major League Soccer.

Head Coach Phil Neville echoed this sentiment, adding, “We’ve watched Alexander for some time at Grêmio, and what has always stood out to us is his versatility and ability to play anywhere across the front line. He’s a technical player who’s comfortable operating in the pockets and even in the No. 10 role. With experience in top leagues, I believe he can come in and make an incredible impact on the way we play and our attack.”

Club and International Career Highlights

The 23-year-old forward (born September 6, 2002) joins Portland after three seasons with Grêmio (2024-2026), where he made 57 appearances across all competitions, scoring seven goals and providing three assists in just under 2,300 minutes played. Alexander Aravena began his professional career with Club Deportivo Universidad Católica (2020-2021, 2023-2024), registering 17 goals and eight assists in 56 appearances. He also had a stint with Club Deportivo Ñublense in 2022, scoring 12 goals and adding three assists in 38 appearances.

Aravena has represented Chile at various youth levels, including the U-17 and U-23 squads. He has earned 16 caps with the senior Chilean national team, including a start and 62 minutes played in a 2-1 victory over Peru on November 18, 2025.

Portland Timbers 2026 Roster

As of February 25, 2026, the Timbers roster includes:

• Goalkeepers (3): Trey Muse, James Pantemis, Hunter Sulte
• Defenders (10): Alex Bonetig, Brandon Bye, Jimer Fory, Sawyer Jura, Zac McGraw, Eric Miller, Kamal Miller, Juan Mosquera, Ian Smith, Finn Surman
• Midfielders (5): Cole Bassett, Diego Chara, David Da Costa, Omir Fernandez, Joao Ortiz
• Forwards (7): Antony, Alexander Aravena, Gage Guerra, Kevin Kelsy, Ariel Lassiter, Felipe Mora, Kristoffer Velde

Transaction Details

Transaction: Portland Timbers sign forward Alexander Aravena on loan from Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense through the 2026 season with a club purchase option.

Alexander Aravena – Player Information

• Full Name: Alexander Ernesto Aravena Guzmán
• Pronunciation: AH-rah-VEH-nah
• Position: Forward
• Height: 5-8
• Date of Birth: September 6, 2002
• Age: 23
• Birthplace: Huechuraba, Santiago, Chile
• Citizenship: Chile
• Last Club: Grêmio FBPA (Brazil)