The Portland Timbers have acquired $800,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) from Charlotte FC in exchange for defender Bill Tuiloma, it was announced today. As part of the trade, the Timbers will receive 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. Portland also retains a percentage of a future transfer fee if Tuiloma is sold outside of MLS.
“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. “This move is a reflection of our challenges to keep a majority of our roster intact over the course of many seasons. We are grateful for Bill’s contributions to the club, and we are all wishing him nothing but the best with this new opportunity.”
Tuiloma, 27, spent six MLS seasons (2017-22) with Portland. The defender made 107 regular season appearances (80 starts) and 120 appearances (88 starts) across all competitions in Green and Gold. Notably, Tuiloma is one of 13 players to reach 100 regular season appearances in club history. With Portland, Tuiloma captured two Western Conference Final Championships (2018, 2021) and the 2020 MLS is Back Tournament Championship.
“It has been great pleasure to have had Bill with us for the past few years,” said Timbers head coach Giovanni Savarese. “I want to thank Bill for all he has given us and always wish him the best.”
During his time with Portland, the New Zealand international scored 10 goals and tallied six assists, scoring at least 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 during the 2022 season. Last season, he finished ranked third in the league with five headed goals. His most recent goal in Green and Gold was in Portland’s 2-1 away victory against Austin FC on Aug. 31, 2022.
Tuiloma began his career in Portland on July 25, 2017, scoring three goals in 11 appearances (11 starts) with T2. Internationally, the defender has made 31 appearances with the New Zealand Men’s National Team, scoring four goals.
