:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/52327915/usa_today_9383014.0.jpeg)
It seems Minnesota United didn’t need Jeff Attinella after all: They’re apparently talking to Portland Timbers about trading the goalkeeper in exchange for, well, something. We don’t know quite what yet.
That’s a report confirmed by MLS writer (and former RSL Communications staffer) Sam Stejskal, who tweeted about it today.
Can confirm that Portland are interested in Attinella. Been working on something since shortly after the Expansion Draft. https://t.co/y0kCxQwwoU
— Sam Stejskal (@samstejskal) December 16, 2016
The move comes as a bit of a surprise after Minnesota United — who didn’t have a goalkeeper on their books — picked up Attinella in the MLS Expansion Draft. It was a move that made a good deal of sense for them initially.
Timbers protected their goalkeeper, Jake Gleeson, which makes this move seem a bit strange. Perhaps Attinella is set for another spell as a backup, just at a different team — or maybe he’s set to take over the starting role there. Whatever the case, this move seem like it’s done quite yet.
Of course, this is of little consequence to Real Salt Lake, but given he was on our roster this morning, it’s certainly interesting to see him bounce around.
Further, Attinella’s not the only goalkeeper bouncing around. Clint Irwin was drafted by Atlanta United before being dealt right back to Toronto FC. The silly season truly is upon us.