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MLS Portland Timbers

Timbers Acquire Peruvian Defender Miguel Araujo

June 30, 2023 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Portland Timbers News Release


PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland Timbers have acquired Peruvian defender Miguel Araujo in a full transfer from Dutch side FC Emmen, the club announced today. Under contract through 2025 with a club option in 2026, the center back will occupy an international spot on the roster, pending a physical and a receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 visa. Araujo will be eligible for selection following the MLS transfer window on July 5.

"We are pleased to welcome Miguel to the Portland Timbers," said Ned Grabavoy, Timbers General Manager. "We believe Miguel provides us another solid option in defense, and his experience playing in various leagues and competitions throughout his career will be invaluable."

Araujo, 28, joins the Timbers after spending five seasons (2019-2023) at FC Emmen playing in the Netherlands' top-tier league Eredivisie, where he registered 12 goals and four assists in 118 appearances across all competitions. The Peruvian defender featured in the Dutch Cup, logging a goal and assist in eight appearances for FC Emmen. Notably, Araujo earned Player of the Year honors (2020-21) and led the club to become the 2022 Dutch second-tier Champions, registering five goals and two assists in 29 appearances that season.

Internationally, Araujo has made 28 appearances for the Peruvian Men's National Team. Most recently, he made one appearance in Peru's friendly match against Japan on June 16, logging a full 90-minute performance. Araujo received his first senior call up on March 27, 2013, and went on to make his debut on November 18, 2014, in a friendly match against Paraguay. Notably, Araujo featured in Peru's 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, and the 2019 and 2021 Copa America squads for Peru. Additionally, the defender played for Peru's U-17 and U-20, making appearances in the 2011 South American U-17 Football Championship and the 2013 South American Youth Championship.

"We feel Araujo's experience, coming from a competitive league like the Dutch league, will make that position a very competitive one," said Timbers head coach Giovanni Savarese. "Araujo is an international player in the Peruvian National Team, so we're excited to have a lot of leadership in that position. We're glad he'll be joining our club."

The Lima, Peru native began his professional career in 2011 with Peruvian's top-tier side Cobresol, making his debut at the age 17 on November 5, 2011, against Universidad Cesar Vallejo. The defender made 164 appearances over seven seasons (2011-13, 2014-19) in the Peruvian top tier Liga 1 with Cobresol, Sport Huancayo and Club Alianza Lima. During that time, Araujo had a short stint with Red Star Belgrade in Serbia's first division in the 2013-14 season, logging five appearances and helping the team to a championship season. In the 2016-17 campaign, Araujo helped Alianza to become the Liga 1 Champions. In the 2018-19 season, Araujo joined Club Atletico Talleres in Argentina's Liga Profesional de Futbol on loan, logging 12 appearances. Notably, Araujo made nine appearances in Copa Libertadores, logging 805 minutes in the international competition when playing with Talleres (Argentina) and Club Alianza Lima (Peru).

Transaction: Portland Timbers acquire defender Miguel Araujo through the 2025 season with a club option for 2026. Araujo will occupy an international spot, pending a physical and receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 visa.

Miguel Araujo

Full name: Miguel Gianpierre Araujo Blanco

Position: Defender

Number: 2

Height: 5-11

Weight: 161

Date of Birth: October 24, 1994

Age: 28

Birthplace: Lima, Peru

Citizenship: Peru

Last Club: FC Emmen

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