Atlanta picks up Darlington Nagbe from Portland in blockbuster trade

Atlanta United announced Wednesday the club has acquired U.S. international midfielder Darlington Nagbe and defender Gbenga Arokoyo from the Portland Timbers in exchange for up to $1.65 million in allocation money in various installments and a 2018 international roster spot.

Portland receives $650,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) in 2018, $100,000 in GAM in 2019, $300,000 in Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) in 2018, and an additional $600,000 in TAM at a future date based on Nagbe's performances with Atlanta. As such, the total deal would be a new MLS record.

"Thank you, Portland, and everyone that supported my family and me the past seven years," Nagbe said in a club-issued statement.

Atlanta technical director Carlos Bocanegra said Nagbe was the club's "top target" for the offseason, adding: "He is a perfect fit for our style of play as he has a dynamic ability to dribble out of trouble, maintain possession, and make passes that bring additional players into the game."

Indeed, the 27-year-old Liberia-born midfielder brings experience, skill, and versatility to an Atlanta midfield that was lacking in its debut season. Nagbe has recorded 214 league appearances, 27 goals, and 30 assists in his MLS career, and can play multiple positions, whether in central midfield or out wide.

He was selected No. 2 overall by the Timbers in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft, and has spent the last seven seasons as a key member of the club. But, with the Timbers seemingly undergoing reinvention after moving on from head coach Caleb Porter, Nagbe's next step will be supporting the likes of Miguel Almiron, Josef Martinez, and the rest of Atlanta's exciting attacking core.

Manager Gerardo Martino will be pleased to add a player with MLS Cup-winning experience, too, as Nagbe played a key role in Portland's 2015 playoff triumph.