Portland to loan Perez to Austin FC for 2021 MLS regular season in exchange for a 2023 natural third-round MLS SuperDraft pick
PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers today announced the signing of midfielder Emanuel “Manny” Perez to a one-year contract and will loan him to MLS side Austin FC for the 2021 MLS regular season in exchange for Austin’s natural third-round pick in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft. Additional General Allocation Money may be received based on Perez’ performance with Austin. Perez was originally acquired by the Timbers through the MLS Allocation Process.
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Perez, 22, tallied one goal and five assists in 37 appearances (25 starts) across all competitions in two seasons for North Carolina FC (2019-20). Perez has made multiple appearances for the U.S National Team at youth level, including tallying one goal and two assists in four appearances for the U-20 United States National Team that won the 2018 Concacaf U-20 Championship.
The Garner, N.C., native played two collegiate seasons at NC State (2017-18), where he tallied six goals and nine assists in 29 games played (28 starts). Perez then signed with Scottish club Celtic FC in January of 2019 and was immediately loaned to USL Championship side North Carolina FC.
Transaction: Portland Timbers sign midfielder Emanuel “Manny” Perez to a one-year contract and will loan him to MLS side Austin FC for the 2021 MLS regular season in exchange for Austin’s natural third-round pick in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft. The Timbers will either receive up to $100,000 in General Allocation Money based on Perez’ performance with Austin or he may join Portland’s roster in 2022.
Emanuel “Manny” Perez
Position: Midfielder
Height: 6-0
Weight: 160
Born: Feb. 19, 1999, in Garner, North Carolina
Last Club: North Carolina FC (United States)
Citizenship: United States
Acquired: Signed on, April 26, 2021; loaned to Austin FC for 2021 MLS regular season.
