Portland trades $50,000 in 2026 General Allocation Money
PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers have acquired Venezuelan international right back Ronald Hernández from Atlanta United FC, the club announced today. In exchange, the club has traded $50,000 in 2026 General Allocation Money (GAM) and up to $100,000 in conditional GAM if certain performance metrics and roster-based criteria are met.
Hernández, 28, joins Portland in his sixth MLS season (2021-26), all previously with Atlanta. In that span, he has recorded 77 appearances (52 starts), providing two goals and three assists in over 4,300 minutes of action.
“Ronald gives us another option at right back where we have experienced some unfortunate injuries this summer,” Timbers general manager Ned Grabavoy shared. “His experience and familiarity with MLS should have him available and ready to compete for involvement within our squad. We look forward to welcoming him and his family to Portland.”
The Venezuelan international is a native of Barinas, Venezuela, and has earned 36 caps with La Vinotinto. Hernández has registered a goal and three assists for his country, scoring his first international goal at Copa America 2021. Most recently, the 28-year-old defender made two friendly appearances for Venezuela in November of 2025.
Before arriving to MLS, Hernández spent five seasons in Europe, playing for then-Norwegian top-flight side Stabæk Fotball (2017-19) and Scottish Premiership-side Aberdeen FC (2019-21). At Stabæk, the defender recorded 61 appearances across all competitions while tallying seven assists. With Aberdeen, Hernández registered six appearances. Hernández began his professional career at his native Zamora FC, playing 12 matches for his hometown club and providing an assist prior to his European move.
Transaction: Portland Timbers acquire defender Ronald Hernández from Atlanta United FC in exchange for $50,000 in 2026 General Allocation Money (GAM) and up to $100,000 in conditional GAM if certain performance metrics and roster-based criteria are met.
Ronald Hernández
Full name: Ronald José Hernández Pimentel
Jersey Number: 12
Position: Defender
Height: 5-8
Date of Birth: September 21, 1997
Age: 28
Birthplace: Barinas, Venezuela
Last Club: Atlanta United FC
Portland Timbers 2026 Roster (as of Sept. 2)
Goalkeepers (3): Trey Muse, James Pantemis, Hunter Sulte
Defenders (11): Alex Bonetig, Brandon Bye, Jimer Fory, Sawyer Jura, Ronald Hernández, Zac McGraw, Eric Miller, Kamal Miller, Juan Mosquera, Ian Smith, Finn Surman
Midfielders (6): Cole Bassett, José Caicedo, Diego Chara, David Da Costa, Omir Fernandez, Joao Ortiz
Forwards (7): Antony, Alexander Aravena, Gage Guerra, Vincent Janssen, Kevin Kelsy, Ariel Lassiter, Kristoffer Velde
