The Portland Timbers signed Ivorian forward Franck Boli to a one-year contract with a club option for the 2024 season today. Boli will occupy an international spot on the roster, pending a physical and a receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 visa.
“This acquisition provides the group another experienced attacking option, while still allowing flexibility within the roster as we move ahead,” said Timbers general manager Ned Grabavoy. “We look forward to welcoming Franck to Portland, and hope that he can be a positive addition to the team.”Â
Boli, 29, is set to join the Timbers for the 2023 campaign after spending the past four seasons with Hungary’s top-flight side Ferencvárosi Torna Club. There, the forward scored 42 goals and tallied 11 assists in 126 appearances. This year, Boli has scored three goals in nine appearances. Notably, Boli scored two goals in 77 minutes played in Ferencvárosi’s UEFA Champions League group stage matches in 2020-21.
“We’re excited to welcome Franck to Portland,” said head coach Giovanni Savarese. “I feel confident that adding another attacking piece like Boli into our team will give us the possibility to be more competitive.”
In his 11-year professional career, Boli made his debut with Norwegian side Stabaek in 2012, going on to play six seasons there (2012-15, 2017-19). Notably, Boli was the top goal scorer in the Eliteserien’s 2018 season with 17 goals. The Ivorian international also has also played for Chinese Super League side Liaoning Whowin (2015-16). Internationally, Boli has made one appearance with the Ivorian Men’s National Team in a 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifying match against Mozambique on Sept. 3, 2021.
The Timbers will travel to face Eastern Conference side Atlanta United FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, March 18. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. (Pacific) and will be streamed live on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app in English and Spanish as well as local radio broadcasts, 750 The Game (English) and La GranD 1150AM/93.5 FM (Spanish).
Franck Boli
Full name: Franck Boli
Position: Forward
Height: 5-9Weight: 170
Date of Birth: December 7, 1993
Age: 29
Birthplace: Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast
Citizenship: Ivory Coast
Last Club: Ferencvárosi TC
