Timbers sign New Zealand D Finn Surman

Field Level Media|published: 07/19/2024, 6:17pm EDT

Jun 22, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; A general view of MLS games balls poor to the match between Vancouver Whitecaps FC and the Portland Timbers at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

The Portland Timbers signed New Zealand defender Finn Surman on Friday.

Surman, 20, agreed to a contract through the 2026 season with a club option for 2027.

He will join the Timbers after competing with New Zealand at the Paris Olympics.

"Finn has shown great promise at an early stage in his career, and our club is excited to continue supporting his development to take necessary strides forward as a player," said Timbers general manager Ned Grabavoy. "We believe he has the skillset and attributes to succeed in MLS, and we look forward to welcoming him to his new home here with the Portland Timbers."

Surman spent the past three seasons at Wellington Phoenix in his homeland, recording one goal in 51 appearances.

We're Sur he's our Man.

Finn Surman is official ?

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— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) July 19, 2024

"We are really excited with the signing of Finn. He's a great, young defender to add to our stable of defenders," said Timbers coach Phil Neville. "We have tracked him for a long time and seen his growth throughout. He is now competing in the Olympics, and I think he will come back and bring another quality to the team that we've been looking for."

Internationally, Surman has tallied one goal in five appearances for the New Zealand Men's National Team.

--Field Level Media