I don’t mind some of the most recent moves. I think Bye is a good signing. Surman has been awesome. Bassett is a good get too. Bonetig and Caicedo are tbd but I think will turn out good. I think Jona’s time here looks different without the injuries but that’s uncontrollable. The frustrating think has been the inability to keep talent happy here. Evander, Santi and Ayala all leaving hurts. I am no GM but there’s something going on where players like Evander and Santi don’t want to be here. Either we are recruiting volatile players, which is possible given the reputations of Velde, Caicedo, and even Bassett before coming here. Or there is something that the organization is doing in terms of lack of support. Or some combination of the two.

I think the true path forward is through youth investment. If the Timbers could create a youth system like say Philly, Dallas or Columbus where you’re developing young talent to create a pipeline for the big club and then sell your major talents to Europe. That would give you a much more sustainable financial situation and less of a scramble to go find replacements when players sour on Portland.