Portland Timbers just made a $6M move that could be a genius or a disaster | OneFootball

Portland Timbers continues to build their squad in the market ahead of the 2025 season. After selling Evander to FC Cincinnati in the record-breaking deal, the club wasted no time, signing midfielder David Da Costa from RC Lens in France.

The Portuguese playmaker who was 24 years old promised to be a high-impact signing with the four-year $6 million deal that included an option to extend until 2029.

Who is David Da Costa and what does he bring to the Timbers?

For those who don’t follow Ligue 1 closely, David Da Costa might be an unfamiliar name. But his time at RC Lens proves he has the talent to make an impact in MLS.

Since debuting professionally in 2020, the attacking midfielder has played 123 times, netting 10 goals and assisting 13. He has also played for Portugal at youth levels, most recently with the U-21 national team.

His greatest strengths? Tactical awareness, adaptability, and superb movement in between the lines. Da Costa is not the quickest nor the most physically imposing player, but he compensates with vision, technical quality, and an evolved comprehension of the game.

According to head coach Phil Neville, the Portuguese midfielder is a perfect fit for the style of play the Timbers want to enforce. He's not the only one excited about the signing, general manager Ned Grabavoy also emphasized that the player's ambition in leaving Europe to take on a bigger role in MLS is indeed good.

"We’re thrilled to add a player with David’s skill and pedigree. He’s already proven himself at a highly competitive level in both the French league and European competitions. His decision to leave the club where he grew up speaks volumes about his ambition to take on a bigger role here with Portland Timbers.”

The pressure of replacing Evander

David Da Costa arrives at a Portland Timbers team still adjusting to the departure of Evander. The Brazilian was the heartbeat of the attack last season, racking up 34 goal contributions (15 goals and 19 assists).

He played a crucial role alongside Jonathan Rodríguez and Felipe Mora, two forwards who also put up strong numbers. Now, with their main playmaker gone, the Timbers are banking on Da Costa to step in without disrupting the team’s attacking flow.

But will he be a direct replacement for Evander, or will he bring a new identity to the team? His arrival could signal a shift in Portland’s playing style — less direct, more balanced. That could be a blessing or a curse, depending on how quickly Neville integrates him into the squad. If the adaptation process takes too long, pressure from the fans could build quickly.

Portland Timbers and their youth investment strategy

The signing of Da Costa is just one of several moves the Portland Timbers have made this transfer window. Before bringing him in, they also secured Kevin Kelsy, a 19-year-old Venezuelan forward from Shakhtar Donetsk.

This approach signals a shift in strategy for the Timbers. Instead of targeting MLS-proven players or experienced European veterans, the club is now betting on young talents with high potential and resale value.

This is a smart strategy, especially when the league's reputation as a springboard for rising stars keeps growing. Still, it's not without its risks.

Da Costa and Kelsy can't fail in the first game or two if the Timbers are to do well early on in the season. The team is still adjusting to its new balance without Evander, and the new players will take some time to find their footing.

The Timbers start their season on February 23 against the Vancouver Whitecaps, a game that will give the first true look at the team's new identity without Evander.

The hope is that Da Costa is going to play a central role in midfield. But it wouldn't be shocking if he took some time to settle in. MLS is played at a different pace than Ligue 1.